Cape Verde and Japan Partner to Industrialize Fishing Sector
Cape Verde is looking to deepen its long-standing relationship with Japan, moving beyond traditional aid to transform its fishing industry into a modern industrial powerhouse. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos announced the ambitious shift on Thursday following the arrival of over €2 million in Japanese-funded equipment on the island of São Vicente.
From Artisanal Aid to Industrial Ambition
While the latest donation from the Japanese government focused on bolstering artisanal fishing, Minister Santos made it clear that Cape Verde has its sights set on larger horizons. “We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. He emphasized that the goal is to move past simply licensing foreign vessels and instead create a collaborative ecosystem between Japanese and Cape Verdean entrepreneurs.
Currently, the two nations share a fishing agreement that allows Japanese vessels to operate starting 18 miles off the archipelago’s coast. As of 2024, 35 Japanese ships are utilizing up to 42 licenses to fish in these waters. Santos believes the next step is to integrate Japanese “equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale” directly into the local economy.
Building the ‘Blue Economy’
The vision for the partnership extends beyond the nets and the docks. The Minister signaled that Cape Verde is seeking Japanese investment across the broader “blue economy,” including sustainable tourism and maritime technology.
“Above all, the country wants to have strong Japanese action also at the level of tourism, other forms of technology, and business opportunities,” Santos noted, highlighting the archipelago’s strategic desire to diversify its economic drivers.
Immediate Boost for Local Communities
Despite the focus on future industrialization, the immediate impact of the partnership will be felt by local fishing and vending associations on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão. The €2 million shipment delivered by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu includes:
- 100 outboard motors for artisanal boats
- Three ice-making machines and 50 thermal preservation boxes
- Two refrigerated trucks to maintain the cold chain
- Two new seven-meter vessels
The cooperation is set to expand further this week. On Friday, the two nations are scheduled to sign an agreement worth approximately €913,000 to provide food assistance to the archipelago, reinforcing Japan’s role as a key development partner for the Atlantic nation.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
