Cape Verde Seeks Japan Partnership for Fishing Industry
Cape Verde is looking to transform its fishing industry from traditional to industrial, and it wants Japan to lead the way as a primary strategic partner. The call for deeper cooperation was made by Minister of the Sea Jorge Santos on the island of São Vicente, following a ceremony marking a significant donation of technical equipment from the Japanese government.
Beyond Fishing Licenses: A New Industrial Strategy
While Japanese vessels already operate in Cape Verdean waters, Minister Santos emphasized that the future of the partnership must go beyond current fishing agreements. “We want to have Japan as a partner for the industrialization of fishing in Cape Verde,” Santos stated. He explained that the goal is to foster direct collaboration between entrepreneurs from both nations to modernize the local industry.
Currently, a bilateral agreement allows up to 35 Japanese vessels to operate 18 miles off the archipelago’s coast, utilizing 42 fishing licenses. However, Santos believes the relationship is ready for evolution. “It is a sector where equipment, science, knowledge, and market scale already exist,” he noted, suggesting that Cape Verde is ready to integrate Japan’s advanced technology and market expertise into its own economy.
Building the ‘Blue Economy’
The vision for this partnership extends beyond the docks. The Minister highlighted opportunities in the “blue economy,” including sustainable tourism and maritime technology. “Above all, the country wants to have strong action from Japan in terms of tourism, other forms of technology, and business opportunities,” Santos added.
Immediate Support for Local Communities
The drive toward industrialization comes alongside immediate support for Cape Verde’s artisanal fishermen. Japanese Ambassador Izawa Osamu officially handed over more than €2 million worth of essential equipment designed to modernize local operations and reduce post-harvest losses. The donation includes:
- 100 outboard motors for small vessels
- Two seven-meter fishing boats
- Three industrial ice-making machines
- 50 thermal boxes for fish preservation
- Two refrigerated trucks for inland distribution
This equipment is earmarked for fishermen’s and vendors’ associations on the islands of São Nicolau, Brava, and Santo Antão, providing a vital boost to rural maritime communities.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
The collaboration between the two nations continues to grow. Following the delivery of maritime equipment, Cape Verde and Japan are scheduled to sign a new agreement on Friday worth €913,000 to bolster food security and assistance across the archipelago. This multi-layered support reinforces Japan’s role as one of Cape Verde’s most significant development partners in the Atlantic.
Image: Pexels – Mike van Schoonderwalt
