Cape Verde Begins Local Production of IDs and Passports
In a historic move toward digital sovereignty and technological independence, Cape Verde has officially begun manufacturing its own national identification documents within its borders. The archipelago previously relied on external production for its high-security credentials.
A New Era for Citizen Identification
The production rollout began with the National Identification Card (CNI). According to a government statement released Monday, the transition is already yielding results. “Hundreds of CNIs have already been successfully produced in Cape Verde and delivered to their holders, proving the operational readiness and reliability of this new infrastructure,” the government announced.
The local manufacturing process is set to expand quickly. Following the successful launch of the CNI, the government plans to bring the production of Electronic Passports and Residence Permits for Foreigners in-house.
Strengthening Sovereignty and Security
The initiative is headquartered at the National Press of Cape Verde (INCV), which inaugurated a state-of-the-art Security Printing House in 2025. Following a contract agreement in January, the facility underwent rigorous testing to ensure the documents met international security standards.
By shifting production to the INCV, Cape Verde aims to “strengthen documentary security, technological autonomy, and national sovereignty,” officials said. The government emphasized that this transition is about more than just convenience; it is a strategic effort to “ensure greater control over one of the state’s most sensitive assets: the identity of its citizens.”
International Cooperation
The modernization project was made possible through the Gestdoc program, a collaborative effort co-financed by the European Union. This partnership has provided the necessary investment to equip Cape Verde with the specialized technology required for high-security printing, reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign contractors and shortening document delivery times for its residents.
Image: Pexels – Borys Zaitsev
