• Two new cooperation instruments total $14.4m, announced on February 2

• Funding includes development support and school rehabilitation projects

• The deals build on a $28m cooperation agreement signed in January 2025

Cabo Verde and China have signed two new cooperation instruments totaling $14.4 million as part of efforts to deepen their economic and technical partnership. The announcement was made by the Cabo Verdean government on February 2, 2026.

The first instrument is a development cooperation agreement worth 100 million yuan, or about $14.4 million. It follows an earlier economic and technical cooperation agreement signed in January 2025, which carried a funding envelope of $28 million.

The second instrument takes the form of an exchange of notes and paves the way for the rehabilitation of three secondary schools. This project will receive financing of 600,000 yuan.

According to the government, the new agreements reflect the continued commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on priority areas for Cabo Verde’s national development, including education and the upgrading of public infrastructure.

Cabo Verde has posted solid economic performance in the post-pandemic period. Data from the African Development Bank show that growth rose to 7.3% in 2024, up from 5.4% in 2023, driven mainly by the recovery of tourism and the expansion of services.

Education remains a central pillar of the country’s development strategy, with public spending equivalent to about 6% of GDP, above international benchmarks. Youth unemployment, however, remains high at 23.9%. Authorities are also pursuing policies aimed at poverty reduction, infrastructure development, industrial growth, and the strengthening of technical and vocational education.

Cabo Verde’s cooperation with China spans development financing, agricultural projects, and partnerships in culture and education, forming a long-standing framework for bilateral engagement.

Lydie Mobio