• Cape Verde launched the “Strengthening Opportunities and Fostering Integration” project to support ECOWAS nationals residing in the country.
• ECOWAS is financing the initiative with €100,000 ($119,000).
• Authorities tightened entry rules from Jan. 1, 2026 for 96 countries while maintaining visa exemptions for ECOWAS citizens.

Cape Verde’s National Immigration Council launched on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 the project “Strengthening Opportunities and Fostering Integration,” which aims to improve the integration of nationals from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) living in the country.

The program seeks to improve residency conditions, labor market access and social participation for ECOWAS citizens in Cape Verde. During the meeting, authorities also presented the second Report on the Foreign and Immigrant Population (REPEI), a strategic tool designed to strengthen the collection, analysis and dissemination of reliable immigration data. ECOWAS is financing the project with €100,000 ($119,000).

Through these complementary initiatives, Cape Verde aims to promote effective migrant integration and enhance data-driven migration policymaking. Minister of State for Family, Inclusion and Social Development Fernando Elísio Freire said the country maintains one of the most modern and inclusive legal frameworks governing the status of foreign nationals, in line with the Constitution, international standards and Cape Verde’s migration history.

Authorities tightened entry requirements from Jan. 1, 2026 by removing visa-on-arrival access for 96 countries and requiring prior visas instead. However, authorities maintained visa exemptions for ECOWAS nationals, reflecting Cape Verde’s membership in the regional bloc since 1976.

At the same time, authorities are implementing the 2023–2025 action plan to promote migrant inclusion and regularization, particularly for nationals from the sub-regional ECOWAS area.

This reform comes as Cape Verde seeks to balance its commitments within ECOWAS with stronger border controls, a priority reinforced by its geographic position as an island state.

Carelle Tahou (Intern)