Cape Verde & Japan Partner to Industrialize Fishing Sector
Cape Verde is looking to deepen its long-standing relationship with Japan, moving beyond traditional aid toward a strategic partnership aimed at industrializing the archipelago’s fishing sector. Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos announced the ambitious shift on Thursday during a ceremony on the island of São Vicente.
The announcement followed the delivery of over €2 million ($2.1 million) in Japanese-funded equipment designed to bolster artisanal fishing across the islands. However, Minister Santos emphasized that the future of the partnership lies in industrial scale and technological integration.
From Aid to Industrial Partnership
“We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. He clarified that the government’s goal is not merely to host Japanese fleets in local waters but to spark direct collaboration between entrepreneurs from both nations.
By leveraging Japanese expertise, science, and market access, Cape Verde hopes to modernize its domestic industry. “It is a sector where equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale already exist,” the minister noted, suggesting that the foundation for growth is already in place.
Expanding the ‘Blue Economy’
While fishing remains a cornerstone of the relationship—governed by an agreement that currently allows 35 Japanese vessels to operate 18 miles off the Cape Verdean coast—Santos expressed interest in a broader “blue economy” strategy. This vision includes attracting Japanese investment in sustainable tourism, advanced technology, and new business opportunities across the maritime sector.
Immediate Support for Local Communities
The latest donation from the Japanese government provides immediate relief and modernization for local fishing communities on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão. The package, delivered 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 vessels
The diplomatic cooperation between the two nations continues to expand. Following the equipment handover, Cape Verde is scheduled to sign a new €913,000 agreement with Japan on Friday specifically focused on food security and assistance for the archipelago.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
