Cape Verde & Japan Partner for Fishing Industrialization
Cape Verde is looking to transform its fishing industry from a traditional trade into a modern industrial powerhouse through a strategic partnership with Japan. This vision was unveiled on Thursday by Minister of the Sea, Jorge Santos, during a ceremony on the island of São Vicente.
Building an Industrial Alliance
The announcement followed a significant donation from the Japanese government, which provided over two million euros (approx. $2.1 million USD) in critical equipment to boost the archipelago’s maritime capabilities. However, Minister Santos emphasized that Cape Verde’s ambitions go far beyond receiving aid.
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. “Our goal is not just to have Japanese boats operating in Cape Verdean waters, but to establish strategies between businesspeople from both countries to develop industrial fishing together.”
The Minister highlighted that the sector is ripe for expansion because “equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale already exist.” By fostering direct investment, Cape Verde hopes to leverage Japanese expertise to modernize its entire “blue economy.”
Strengthening Existing Maritime Ties
The relationship between the two nations is already anchored by a fishing agreement that allows Japanese vessels to operate 18 miles off the Cape Verdean coast. As of 2024, 35 Japanese vessels are utilizing up to 42 licenses to fish in these waters.
Santos indicated that the government is eager to expand this cooperation into other sectors, including high-tech tourism and various technological advancements, to create new business opportunities across the islands.
Immediate Support for Local Communities
While the long-term goal is industrialization, the immediate focus remains on empowering local artisanal fishermen. The equipment delivered today by Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu includes:
- 100 outboard motors for small boats
- Three industrial ice-making machines
- 50 thermal boxes for fish preservation
- Two refrigerated trucks for transport
- Two seven-meter fishing vessels
This equipment is earmarked for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão, where it is expected to reduce waste and improve the quality of the catch reaching the market.
Humanitarian Cooperation
Beyond the maritime sector, the bilateral relationship continues to broaden. On Friday, Cape Verde and Japan are scheduled to sign a new food assistance agreement worth 913,000 euros, further solidifying Japan’s role as a key development partner for the Atlantic nation.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
