Cape Verde and Japan Partner for Industrial Fishing Revolution
Cape Verde is looking to deepen its maritime ties with Japan, moving beyond traditional fishing agreements to build a full-scale industrial partnership. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos announced the ambitious goal on Thursday, following the receipt of over €2 million in Japanese-donated equipment designed to modernize the archipelago’s artisanal fishing fleet.
From Artisanal Roots to Industrial Ambitions
Speaking from the island of São Vicente, Santos emphasized that Cape Verde is ready to evolve from a resource provider into a modern industrial hub. While Japanese vessels have long operated in Cape Verdean waters, the Minister wants to see more direct collaboration between the private sectors of both nations.
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. “The goal is not only to have Japanese boats operating in our waters, but also to establish strategies between businesspeople from both countries to develop industrial fishing.”
The Minister highlighted that the foundation for this growth already exists, noting that the sector is ripe for expansion thanks to established science, existing market scale, and specialized knowledge.
A Deepening Economic Relationship
The partnership is already active under a current fishing agreement that allows Japanese vessels to operate starting 18 miles off the coast. As of 2024, 35 Japanese vessels are utilizing 42 fishing licenses in the region. However, Santos signaled that Cape Verde is looking for a much broader “blue economy” investment.
“The country wants to have a strong Japanese presence in terms of tourism, technology, and diverse business opportunities,” he added, signaling a desire for a diversified economic bond.
Direct Support for Local Communities
While the long-term vision is industrial, a significant €2 million donation delivered by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu provided immediate relief for local fishers and vendors on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão. The equipment package included:
- 100 outboard motors for small boats
- Three industrial ice-making machines
- 50 thermal boxes for fish preservation
- Two refrigerated trucks for safe transport
- Two new seven-meter vessels
The cooperation between the two nations is set to expand further this week. On Friday, the two governments are scheduled to sign a €913,000 agreement specifically for food assistance, reinforcing Japan’s role as a key development partner for the island nation.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
