Cape Verde and Senegal Plan Maritime Link for Trade
Cape Verde and Senegal are moving to dismantle trade barriers and bridge the 650-kilometer gap of the Atlantic Ocean, with a focus on streamlining food imports and establishing a permanent shipping route between their capitals.
Strengthening West African Trade Ties
Following a high-level meeting in Praia on Wednesday, officials from both nations signaled a renewed commitment to economic integration. The Director-General of the Senegalese Shippers’ Council (Cosec), Ndeye Thiam, confirmed that Senegal is prepared to take “all useful measures” to launch a regular maritime link between Dakar and Praia.
Despite strong political ties and geographical proximity, trade between the two countries has long been hampered by technical challenges. Thiam emphasized that Senegal is eager to supply Cape Verde with high-demand agricultural products—including onions, potatoes, mangoes, and peanut derivatives—but noted that sanitary regulations still require harmonization before these goods can flow freely.
Overcoming Logistics and Red Tape
Cape Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva welcomed the initiative, stating that a “clear message of interest and political will” now exists to deepen economic relations. As both nations are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Prime Minister noted that historical and cultural ties provide a solid foundation for this partnership.
He highlighted that while air links for passengers and cargo are already operational, the addition of a consistent maritime link is the missing piece of the puzzle needed to accelerate investment and commerce.
Call for Private Sector Synergy
Business leaders are also pushing for faster progress. Marco Rodrigues, president of the Sotavento Chamber of Commerce, urged the Cape Verdean government to act as a facilitator by reducing bureaucratic hurdles at ports and customs.
“These relations need to be intensified,” Rodrigues said during a meeting with a Senegalese business delegation. He argued that simplifying import processes is essential to bringing Senegalese exporters and Cape Verdean importers together effectively.
A Recurring Ambition
The quest for a “maritime highway” between Dakar and Praia is not a new objective. While foreign ministers identified Atlantic transport as a priority as far back as 2021, concrete progress has been slow. However, the current presence of Senegalese maritime operators in the visiting delegation suggests a more practical, industry-led approach to solving the logistical stalemate.
As one of the largest economies on the West African coast and Cape Verde’s closest neighbor, Senegal remains a vital strategic partner. This latest diplomatic and commercial push aims to finally transform that proximity into a thriving economic corridor.
Image: Pexels – Carlo Jünemann
