• Authorities presented a national 5G implementation strategy on February 11, 2026.

• The government will start deployment with a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) model built on existing 4G infrastructure.

• The ICT sector contributes about 5% to GDP, and authorities aim to raise its share as part of a high-income strategy.

Cape Verdean authorities are preparing the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology and officially presented a national implementation strategy on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The official statement said the initiative establishes a clear and phased vision for 5G deployment. Authorities designed the rollout to reflect the archipelago’s geographic, socio-economic and infrastructural configuration. The government will implement the network progressively and responsibly, beginning with a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) model that relies on the existing 4G network.

The roadmap also includes targeted pilot projects focused on priority use cases. “These projects will test technological solutions in real-life contexts, demonstrate the value of 5G, stimulate innovation and collect concrete data on the economic, social and territorial impacts of the technology,” the statement said. “They will serve as a basis for the gradual expansion of the network and the continuous adjustment of associated public policies,” the statement added.

Authorities developed the plan as more African countries accelerated interest in next-generation mobile technology, which policymakers consider a major driver of digital transformation. Agence Ecofin data showed that 48 operators in 21 African countries provided 5G services by mid-2025.

Governments cite 5G’s technical capabilities to justify deployment. The technology delivers significantly higher speeds than previous generations, reduces latency, enables massive device connectivity and improves service reliability.

Cape Verde aims to “become a digital nation to accelerate its growth and development dynamics and become a high-income country within a decade.” The government plans to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into sectors including education, health, tourism, public administration, trade, agriculture and the blue economy. Authorities expect this strategy to gradually increase the ICT sector’s contribution to GDP from its current level of about 5%.

However, 5G deployment requires substantial investment. A 2022 Ericsson study estimated that the base cost of deploying 5G in a country ranges between $3 billion and $8 billion. The study added that operators must invest an additional 20% to 35% to extend nationwide coverage.

Beyond infrastructure, authorities must address adoption challenges. Consumers face constraints including the cost of compatible smartphones, the affordability of 5G data plans, digital skills levels, perceptions of service relevance and overall customer experience quality.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum