• Cabo Verde to roll out nationwide 5G by 2026
• Government sees 5G as key to digital, economic growth
• Current mobile coverage exceeds 88% for 4G networks

Cabo Verde's government plans to deploy fifth-generation (5G) mobile internet nationwide by 2026, according to a presentation on the proposed national 5G strategy last week.

"5G is a priority for 2026 and will serve as the foundation for the next decade, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and the connection of a massive number of devices," the Ministry of Digital Economy said in a Facebook post. "More than just a technological modernization, 5G is seen as an instrument of economic and social transformation, essential for realizing Cabo Verde's ambition to establish itself as a digital and innovation hub."

The strategy document highlights that 5G’s characteristics will create an environment conducive to innovation and investment while strengthening digital inclusion. This aligns with the country’s goal of becoming a digital hub. At the beginning of 2025, the island nation had an internet penetration rate of 73.5%, with 387,000 users, according to DataReportal.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also notes extensive mobile coverage, with 2G, 3G, and 4G networks serving 99.3%, 95.3%, and 88.5% of the population, respectively.

Adoni Conrad Quenum