Praia, Aug. 12, 2026 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's Government and a Chinese engineering firm have signed a memorandum of understanding for medium and long-term projects in the archipelago in the fields of energy, water, agriculture and regional development.
«This memorandum focuses on areas that are fundamental to our governance plan for Cabo Verde. The issues of energy sustainability, agriculture and water, and the development corridor extending from the island of São Vicente, are fundamental to the country we are currently building,» said Prime Minister, Francisco Carvalho, at the signing ceremony in the city of Praia on Tuesday.
The document was signed by the Minister for Project Coordination and Access to Funds, José Carlos Varela, and by Wang Bo, a representative of the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), at a ceremony attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Cabo Verde, Zhang Yang.
Francisco Carvalho said that the archipelago's development process requires the collaboration of different sectors and regions to build «a Cabo Verde for everyone».
He highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and argued that the agreement should lead to rapid, practical results.
«May the signing of this memorandum of understanding be a step we are taking towards concrete initiatives with a direct impact on the lives of all Cabo Verdeans. Let the projects begin,» declared the prime minister.
The representative of the Chinese company, Wang Bo, explained that the multinational's activities will cover the energy sector, including the modernisation and refurbishment of existing thermal power stations and the construction of clean energy generation facilities.
The document also covers electricity storage, grid reinforcement and the creation of infrastructure for electric transport.
In the areas of water resources and agriculture, the plan focuses on seawater desalination technologies, wastewater reuse, precision irrigation systems and smart management to tackle water scarcity and boost agricultural production.
Projects are also planned for the seafront and coastal areas of São Vicente, in coordination with the surrounding islands, to create a development corridor in the north of the country.
For his part, China's ambassador to Cabo Verde, Zhang Yang, noted that the signing of the agreement coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and with the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
The diplomat assured that the embassy would continue to support the presence of Chinese companies in the archipelago to «take cooperation to a new level».
RS/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
