AGP Executive Report

Ocean-led growth: Cabo Verde is looking to the sea for jobs and resilience, with the ocean powering food, water and transport while the country pushes for better protection as climate pressures rise. Climate pressure on sport: The 2026 World Cup is flagged as the most carbon-intensive ever, with emissions driven mainly by travel across 16 cities. Maritime security for fisheries: West Africa is stepping up action against illegal fishing, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn and regional enforcement supported by partners including Cape Verde. Trade capacity building: Customs officials from Cape Verde and other Portuguese-speaking and regional states joined WCO-supported training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise for preferential trade agreements. Tech and connectivity at sea: Starlink is in focus for offshore users, as skippers compare real-world performance and costs for high-speed internet on vessels. World Cup visibility in Africa: SuperSport launches “The Morning Cup” to bring World Cup culture and coverage to viewers across Africa.

Ocean & Climate Resilience: Cabo Verde is leaning on its ocean for growth while pushing climate resilience, with the Climate Portal saying over 99% of the territory is ocean and about 70% of water comes from the sea, as marine experts stress the ocean’s role in climate regulation, carbon absorption and food security. Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, Customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Sao Tome & Principe have joined “Training of Trainers” workshops to build local capacity on rules of origin for preferential trade agreements. Fisheries & Food Security: West Africa’s illegal fishing is linked to up to 40% of catches and more than US$2.3bn in annual losses, prompting stronger regional action and enforcement coordination involving Cape Verde. World Cup, Local Industry Angle: Ahead of Cabo Verde’s World Cup spotlight, host-city preparations show how major tournaments can reshape services and logistics, while the wider tournament is also under scrutiny for a steep climate footprint driven largely by travel.

World Cup Ticket Market Watch: A Boston University economics professor says large blocks of World Cup seats have appeared on third-party resale sites shortly after free-ticket giveaways, with some listings for matches involving Cape Verde reportedly discounted by up to 70% before disappearing—raising fresh questions about how FIFA manages supply and pricing. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut is already drawing diaspora celebrations, including a send-off in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where fans say simply qualifying is a win for a small nation. Local Industry Angle—Ocean Economy: A feature from Praia ties Cabo Verde’s World Oceans Day message to real business life—fishing, ports, tourism and water supply—highlighting that most freshwater comes from the sea and that the ocean is central to food security and energy. Match Readiness: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal is on track to return from a hamstring injury for the opening match against Cape Verde on June 15.

Ocean & Climate Resilience: Cabo Verde marked World Oceans Day by spotlighting how the sea underpins daily life and resilience, with over 99% of territory ocean and about 70% of water use drawn from the sea, while marine experts argue the ocean must be treated as climate regulator, carbon sink, and biodiversity engine. World Cup & Cabo Verde Visibility: Cabo Verde’s World Cup debut is framed as a historic moment for the islands and diaspora, with coverage also tying the team’s build-up and Group H context to Spain’s fitness questions and Saudi Arabia’s threat level. Shipping & Tourism: Oceania Vista made a maiden call at Banjul Port, with the itinerary explicitly linking Cape Verde to regional cruise growth—useful context for West African maritime and tourism industry planning. Startups & Portuguese-Speaking Markets: The 929 Challenge (including Cabo Verde) is set to expand into AIE Expo Macao with a new acceleration programme aimed at helping startups enter the Greater Bay Area. Energy Access (West Africa): A World Bank-backed power programme is expanding electricity access and boosting regional energy trade across West Africa.

World Cup send-off sparks diaspora pride: Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance is being celebrated far beyond the islands, with fans packing Centerville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, ahead of the tournament. Group H spotlight: Coverage ahead of kickoff frames Spain as the Group H favourite, but flags fitness doubts and points to Cabo Verde’s promising build-up as a potential upset threat. Local match logistics for Cabo Verde fans: In Houston, Cabo Verde’s Group H clash with Saudi Arabia is listed for June 26 at NRG Stadium, underscoring how the tournament is pulling Cape Verdean supporters into major host-city hubs. Startup and innovation tie-in (Portuguese-speaking countries): The 929 Challenge is expanding into AIE Expo Macao with a new acceleration programme aimed at startups entering the Greater Bay Area, explicitly including Cabo Verde among the Portuguese-speaking countries.

World Cup logistics for Cabo Verde fans: Cabo Verde’s debut at the 2026 finals is set in Group H, with the team scheduled to play Spain on June 15 in Atlanta, and then face Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Miami (June 21) and elsewhere in the group run-up. Local industry angle (tourism & visibility): Coverage highlights how Cape Verde’s World Cup presence is already boosting year-round travel interest, with UK operator Cape Verde Experience pointing to growing demand for culture, music, hiking and island-hopping beyond beaches. Sports-business backdrop: Multiple reports underline the tournament’s expanded scale (48 teams) and the knock-on effects for host cities’ services, while ticketing and pricing disputes remain a major talking point. Community moment: Cape Verde’s squad arrived in Massachusetts and was welcomed by the Cape Verdean community ahead of a friendly vs Bermuda, showing how diaspora networks are turning matches into local events.

World Cup & Cabo Verde Visibility: Cabo Verde’s World Cup debut is already boosting year-round interest in the islands, with UK operator Cape Verde Experience saying travellers are moving beyond beach holidays toward culture, music, hiking and island-hopping. Sports Tourism in Action: In Massachusetts, the Cape Verdean community welcomed the national team at Boston’s Logan Airport ahead of a friendly, showing how diaspora networks can turn a sporting moment into local business and travel buzz. Group H Context (Business Angle): Spain’s Group H opener vs Cabo Verde in Atlanta is framed as a key test, with injury doubts around star wingers—important for planning fan travel and match-day demand. Education & Skills: iibGroup renewed and expanded its Chevening Scholarships partnership, adding Ethiopia while keeping Cabo Verde in the mix, supporting leadership and capacity building that can feed future industry talent. Maritime & Fisheries Governance: West Africa stepped up anti-IUU fishing efforts in H1 2026, with regional patrols and the Dakar Declaration pushing cooperation—relevant to ports, logistics and sustainable seafood supply chains.

World Cup spotlight for Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde’s men’s team has arrived in Massachusetts for the tournament build-up, with the Cape Verdean Association of Boston staging a big welcome at Logan Airport ahead of a friendly against Bermuda—another sign of how the islands’ first-ever World Cup appearance is boosting visibility abroad. Group H focus: A Group H preview frames Spain as a favourite but flags fitness doubts for key wingers, while noting Cabo Verde’s promising build-up and debut status, with their opening match against Spain set for June 15. Tourism pull from football: UK operator Cape Verde Experience says World Cup attention is shifting demand toward year-round experiences beyond beaches—volcanic landscapes, Creole culture, live music, hiking and island-hopping—while match screenings are turning resorts and local bars into social hubs. Regional finance angle: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, with prior work including Cape Verde in client relations and financing across major energy and infrastructure projects. Energy development in the region: The World Bank reports expanded electricity access across West Africa via a regional power programme, including thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and millions gaining power access.

World Cup kick-off and Cabo Verde debut: FIFA’s 2026 tournament starts June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico, running to July 19, with 48 teams and 104 matches—and Cabo Verde’s first-ever World Cup match is set for June 15 vs Spain. Group H spotlight: A Group H preview flags Spain as a favourite, while also putting Cabo Verde and Uruguay in the “watch closely” mix as squads finalize preparations. Ticketing controversy: Multiple reports say FIFA removed thousands of tickets from its official portal and that resale listings shifted afterward, with FIFA facing renewed scrutiny over supply and pricing tactics. AI in football operations: FIFA says every team will have access to an AI analyst (“FIFA AI Pro”) to query match data and get tactical insights. Cabo Verde–China ties (industry-adjacent development): Coverage marks 50 years of China–Cabo Verde relations, highlighting cooperation in health, education and agriculture—an important backdrop for skills and service capacity. Regional finance for trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience including Cape Verde in client relations. Education partnership: iibGroup renewed and expanded Chevening Scholarships support to Ethiopia, with one scholarship earmarked for Cabo Verde. Energy access in West Africa: The World Bank reports major progress on West Africa power integration—more transmission lines, more cross-border trade, and millions gaining electricity access—relevant to regional industry and logistics.

China–Cabo Verde Partnership: China’s ambassador Zhang Yang says ties are entering a “new stage” as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to cooperation in health, education, agriculture and water resources. Health & Skills: A separate report highlights Chinese medical teams working alongside Cabo Verdean doctors at Praia’s Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital, with language support helping smooth care. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa; his prior role included client relations covering Cape Verde and risk assets over US$12bn. Electricity for the Region: The World Bank says a West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, including Cabo Verde. Education Links: iibGroup renewed and expanded its Chevening Scholarships partnership, adding Ethiopia alongside Cabo Verde and Djibouti for 2026–2027. World Cup Logistics (Cabo Verde angle): FIFA ticket supply is under scrutiny after thousands of tickets appeared on resale sites, with Cabo Verde’s matches repeatedly referenced in the wider debate.

Education & Leadership: iibGroup renewed and expanded its Chevening Scholarships partnership, adding Ethiopia alongside Cabo Verde and Djibouti for 2026–2027, with fully funded awards aimed at building African talent. China–Cabo Verde Development Ties: marking 50 years of diplomacy, coverage highlights deeper cooperation in health, education, agriculture and water, including Chinese medical teams working alongside Cabo Verdean staff at Praia’s Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital and Mindelo’s hospital maternity building. West Africa Power Push: the World Bank says a regional electricity programme has extended access to over 3 million people and built 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries, including Cabo Verde, to boost cross-border trade. World Cup Industry Angle (Cabo Verde): FIFA confirmed a record 1,248-player roster and Cabo Verde’s World Cup debut; meanwhile, ticket supply and resale disputes continue, with reports of thousands of tickets shifting off FIFA’s portal and back onto resale sites. Travel & Connectivity: TUI says its newer 737 MAX fleet is improving nonstop leisure routes, including services to Cape Verde, supporting tourism demand. Community & Culture: Cabo Verde’s national team is set to appear in Boston’s Dorchester Day Parade, reflecting growing diaspora momentum around the 2026 tournament.

China–Cabo Verde Partnership: On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Cabo Verde and China say relations are moving into a “strategic partnership” phase, with cooperation already visible in health, education and infrastructure, including Chinese medical teams working alongside local staff at Praia’s Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital. West Africa Power Push: The World Bank reports major progress on a regional electricity programme, building over 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries in the West African Power Pool, boosting supply and access for millions, including Cabo Verde. World Cup Ticketing Turmoil: FIFA is facing fresh scrutiny after thousands of 2026 World Cup tickets appeared to shift between its official portal and resale platforms, with platforms denying any FIFA deal while analysts point to unusual seat patterns. Cabo Verde on the World Cup Map: Cabo Verde is set for its World Cup debut, and the country’s team is already drawing diaspora attention, including planned appearances in Boston’s Dorchester Day Parade and airport welcome plans. Aviation & Tourism Link: TUI says its newer 737 MAX fleet is improving nonstop leisure routes, including services to Cape Verde, supporting demand and capacity planning.

West Africa Power Push: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme is boosting supply across the region, with 4,000+ km of transmission lines built to connect 15 countries under the West African Power Pool and electricity access rising for millions since 2019. China–Cabo Verde Partnership: On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, China’s ambassador says relations are moving into a new strategic partnership phase, citing cooperation in infrastructure and health, including Chinese medical teams working alongside Cabo Verdean staff. Cabo Verde at World Cup 2026: Cabo Verde is set for its maiden World Cup appearance, with the team scheduled to play Saudi Arabia in Houston on June 26, while the wider tournament expands to 48 teams across the US, Canada and Mexico. Ticketing Tensions: FIFA faces fresh claims of collusion with resale platforms after SeatGeek listings for the Saudi Arabia–Cabo Verde match appeared in large contiguous seat blocks; SeatGeek and StubHub deny any FIFA deal. Community & Culture: The Cabo Verde national team is expected to appear in Boston’s Dorchester Day Parade on June 7, after a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia in Portugal, highlighting diaspora-driven momentum around the squad.

China–Cabo Verde Partnership: Cabo Verde and China marked 50 years of diplomatic ties, with the Chinese ambassador saying relations are now entering a “new stage” after the 2024 upgrade to a strategic partnership, citing cooperation in infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and water. World Cup as Industry Boost: Cabo Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance is also a business moment for the diaspora and tourism ecosystem, while FIFA’s 2026 schedule puts Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia in Houston on June 26 at NRG Stadium. Local Community & Mobility: In Boston, Cabo Verde’s national team is set to march in the Dorchester Day Parade on June 7 after a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia, showing how sport is driving travel and local events. Aviation Connectivity: TUI says its Boeing 737 MAX fleet is improving nonstop leisure routes, including services to Cape Verde, as it renews capacity and loyalty plans.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: TUI says its expanded Boeing 737 MAX fleet is unlocking longer leisure routes, including nonstop services to Cape Verde, improving load viability versus older 737-800 capacity. Sports & Community Spotlight: Cabo Verde’s national team is set to appear in Boston’s Dorchester Day Parade after a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia in Portugal, with arrivals planned via Logan Airport—an upbeat moment for Cape Verdean diaspora visibility. China–Cabo Verde Development Ties: President José Maria Neves highlights 50 years of China–Cabo Verde relations, pointing to cooperation in health, education, agriculture, water and infrastructure, including the Poilão Dam as a boost for agro-food industry. World Cup Economics Pressure: Coverage of World Cup 2026 keeps circling back to high costs and visa friction, with hotel booking reports in US host cities showing demand tracking below forecasts—relevant for regional travel planning. Sustainability & Skills: Start Campus names Rita Monteiro as Head of Sustainability, tying data-centre operations to renewables and net-zero shipping goals.

Aviation & Tourism: TUI says its expanding Boeing 737 MAX fleet is opening up longer nonstop leisure routes to Cabo Verde, with the 737-8 improving payloads versus the older 737-800 and enabling services such as Stockholm–Cape Verde; the airline expects about 20 more MAX 8 deliveries this year and plans to roll out the larger 737-10 to grow capacity despite Amsterdam slot limits. Diplomacy & Development: Cabo Verde’s President Jose Maria Neves highlights 50 years of China ties, pointing to Chinese support in health, education, agriculture, water projects and infrastructure, including the Poilao Dam as a boost for agro-food industry development. World Cup Logistics (Cape Verde link): Uruguay’s World Cup squad is set with Cabo Verde in Group H, while the Cabo Verde national team is also in the spotlight through diaspora events—players are scheduled to appear in Boston’s Dorchester Day Parade after a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia. Visa & Mobility: The US plans to cut Africa visa-processing centres from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Accra and Cape Town/Johannesburg, a move that could affect travel planning for business and tourism across the region.