UniCV Secures 16 Portuguese Partnerships for Development
The University of Cape Verde (UniCV) is embarking on a bold new era of internationalization following a high-level mission to Portugal. Rector Astrigilda Silveira recently concluded a week-long tour of 16 Portuguese institutions, securing partnerships aimed at transforming the archipelago’s academic and economic landscape.
Building a Digital and Data-Driven Future
A cornerstone of the mission is a new initiative focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under a new agreement, UniCV staff will receive specialized training in AI, positioning the university as a strategic advisor to the Cape Verdean government. This expertise is expected to spearhead a nationwide training program to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure.
Beyond technology, UniCV is expanding its influence into public policy and governance. The university plans to establish a dedicated polling center for the archipelago and a public policy observatory. “We play an important role through the School of Business and Governance,” Silveira told Lusa. “We are positioning ourselves to provide essential training to public administration staff and are currently preparing a partnership protocol with local municipalities.”
Commitment to Academic Excellence
To ensure international standards, UniCV has signed a significant partnership with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). This collaboration will focus on the rigorous evaluation of civil and mechanical engineering courses, part of a broader push to guarantee quality across all departments. The Rector’s itinerary also included strategic meetings with the University of Lisbon, the University of Aveiro, the Polytechnic of Viseu, ISCTE, UPL, and ISEL.
Reversing the ‘Brain Drain’
Addressing the long-standing issue of Cape Verdean talent leaving the country for education, Rector Silveira, who took office in March, expressed optimism about reversing the “brain drain.” While acknowledging that Cape Verde has historically relied on foreign training, she believes the tide is turning.
“UniCV’s great challenge is to guarantee quality and social inclusion while investing in the well-being of our students,” Silveira said. She noted that the university is increasingly becoming a destination for international students from Nigeria, Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Angola, and São Tomé.
“We are not against students studying abroad, but we want to promote ‘circular knowledge,'” the Rector explained. “We will retain talent by proving our quality and creativity, and by being an inclusive university that cares about student results and their overall academic life.”
Image: Pexels – Ebenezer Idowu
