Cape Verde University & Portugal Partner for AI & Governance
The University of Cape Verde (UniCV) is doubling down on international partnerships to transform the archipelago into a regional hub for technology and governance. Rector Astrigilda Silveira recently concluded an intensive diplomatic mission to Portugal, visiting 16 academic and technical institutions to secure agreements she believes will have a “significant impact” on Cape Verde’s national development.
Strategic Partnerships for National Growth
During the mission, which took place from late September to early October, Silveira focused on projects designed to modernize the country’s infrastructure and workforce. A key priority is a new initiative in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under this plan, UniCV staff will receive specialized AI training from Portuguese partners, enabling the university to eventually lead a nationwide training program for the Cape Verdean government.
The Rector also highlighted the university’s expanding role in civic life. “We play a vital role through our School of Business and Governance,” Silveira told Lusa. “We are positioning ourselves to provide essential training for public administration staff and are currently finalizing a partnership with the national municipal association.”
New Services and Quality Assurance
UniCV’s ambitious agenda includes the creation of a public policy observatory and a dedicated polling center to track national trends. Furthermore, the university plans to offer specialized engineering services directly to the government.
To ensure these programs meet international standards, UniCV signed a key agreement with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). This partnership focuses on the rigorous evaluation and accreditation of UniCV’s civil and mechanical engineering courses, emphasizing a commitment to academic excellence.
Addressing the “Brain Drain”
Silveira, who took office in March, addressed the long-standing challenge of Cape Verdean students leaving the islands to pursue degrees abroad. While acknowledging that the country has historically relied on foreign training, she believes the tide is turning.
“UniCV’s great challenge is to guarantee quality, social inclusion, and student well-being,” Silveira said. She noted that the university is increasingly attracting international talent from Nigeria, Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Angola, and São Tomé.
Rather than preventing students from leaving, Silveira advocates for “circular knowledge”—a system where quality education at home and opportunities abroad complement each other. “We will retain and attract students through creativity and quality,” she concluded. “We want to be an inclusive university that is deeply concerned with the academic success and health of every student.”
Image: Pexels – Yan Krukau
