AGP Executive Report

Maritime Skills & Safety: Ghana’s Maritime Authority launched a one-week regional familiarisation on seafarer assessment and certification, bringing together assessors and training institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen standards under IMO guidance. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO convened the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with Cabo Verde among the ministers engaged on how to secure sustainable fisheries for food security and livelihoods. Air Quality Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde were among the worst hit by unsafe daily air pollution in 2025, with West Africa seeing more than 120 days above WHO daily PM2.5 limits in parts of the region. Public Finance & Credit: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review reports Cabo Verde among countries receiving foreign-currency rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, citing stabilization and reforms. Transport & Connectivity: Portugal’s TAP is set to face a final round of negotiations after matched bids for a stake in the airline, with its 14 African destinations including Cabo Verde. Road Safety: Cape Verde reported a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Maritime & Fisheries Policy: A new push for better-managed fisheries is taking shape ahead of FAO’s 37th Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Rome (7–11 Sept), with a focus on how global value chains can improve transparency, governance, and adoption of credible standards—relevant for Cabo Verde’s seafood and coastal livelihoods. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO also hosted the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit (4–6 Sept), highlighting that small-scale fisheries support food security and jobs for hundreds of millions, and urging stronger implementation of the 2014 SSF Guidelines—Cabo Verde was among the ministers engaged. Air Quality Pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports Senegal and Cape Verde faced unsafe air for over 120 days in 2025, driven largely by Saharan dust and compounded by everyday pollution sources. Shipping Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority called for tougher assessment and certification standards for seafarers, running a regional training that included Cape Verde—aimed at keeping crews competent for global trade. Finance & Credit: An Africa sovereign credit review says Cabo Verde received an upgrade in foreign-currency ratings in the first half of 2026, tied to stabilization and reforms. Transport Safety: Cape Verde’s president mourned a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Maritime Safety & Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority is pushing tougher assessment and certification standards for seafarers, launching a week-long regional familiarisation training with Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen competence checks under IMO course 3.12. Public Health & Risk Communication: Africa CDC highlights how managing rumours is key to stopping disease outbreaks, pointing to deadly misinformation patterns seen across the continent. Air Quality & Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde were among the worst hit by unsafe air in 2025, with many days above WHO PM2.5 limits driven largely by Saharan dust. Fisheries Sustainability: FAO hosted a Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with ministers including Cabo Verde discussing how to implement the 2014 SSF Guidelines to protect livelihoods and food security. Cabo Verde on the Front Page: Cabo Verde President José Neves mourns a fatal bus crash that killed at least 25 schoolchildren on a field trip from Curral Grande to Ponta Verde, with authorities still investigating the cause. Finance & Credit Outlook: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says Cabo Verde was among countries receiving rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, citing reforms and macro stabilization.

Maritime Skills & Trade: Ghana’s Maritime Authority is pushing tougher assessment and certification standards for seafarers, running a one-week regional familiarisation training with Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen examiners’ and assessors’ capacity under IMO course rules. Aviation Connectivity for Cabo Verde: Portugal’s TAP is in a final round of negotiations over a 44.9% stake, and its Africa network includes Cabo Verde—so any airline ownership shift could affect routes linking Portuguese-speaking markets. Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde were among the worst hit by unsafe daily air pollution in 2025, with parts of West Africa exceeding WHO PM2.5 daily limits for more than 120 days. Sovereign Finance Watch: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review reports Cabo Verde among countries that received foreign-currency rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, citing stabilization and reforms. Road Safety Shock: Cape Verde recorded a deadly bus crash killing at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Maritime Safety: A Catana 53 catamaran, Hanuman, suffered hull damage after hitting an unidentified floating object about 150 miles from land during the ARC+ Rally, with the crew quickly checking bilges and compartments to confirm no water ingress. Air Quality & Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports Senegal and Cape Verde saw unsafe air for more than 120 days in 2025, with Saharan dust and everyday pollution sources pushing PM2.5 above WHO daily limits. Public Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC highlights how rumours can drive disease outbreaks, pointing to the need for faster, smarter communication during health scares. Road Safety in Cabo Verde: At least 25 people were killed when a bus carrying schoolchildren on a field trip crashed, prompting a two-day national mourning and condolences from President José Neves. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO hosted a summit in Rome with Cabo Verde among participating ministers, focusing on sustainable small-scale fisheries and implementation of the 2014 SSF Guidelines. Shipping Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority calls for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, running a regional training that includes Cape Verde to improve competency for global trade. Sovereign Finance: A report says Cabo Verde and other African states raised over $14bn in international markets in H1 2026, but much went to budgets and debt management rather than productive investment.

Maritime & Tourism: Explorations by Norwegian’s The Regatta has departed Rome for a 371-day, 62-country cruise with weekly port calls and 220 ports, including planned stops in Africa such as Cape Verde—an eye-catching signal for long-haul travel demand. Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says Senegal and Cape Verde saw unsafe air for more than 120 days in 2025, with Saharan dust and everyday pollution pushing PM2.5 above WHO daily limits—raising pressure for cleaner air monitoring and action. Fisheries & Food Security: FAO hosted the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with Cabo Verde among ministers discussing how to protect small-scale fisheries that support livelihoods and food security for hundreds of millions. Shipping Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority called for stronger assessment and certification standards for seafarers, running a regional training that includes Cape Verde to boost competency for global trade. Aviation Connectivity: Portugal’s TAP is in a final round of negotiations over a stake sale, but its Africa network—covering Cabo Verde among other markets—remains central for business and diaspora travel. Road Safety: Cape Verde reported a deadly bus crash involving schoolchildren, prompting national mourning and renewed scrutiny of transport safety.

Road Safety: Cape Verde mourns after a bus crash killed at least 25 schoolchildren, with authorities still investigating the cause and declaring two days of national mourning. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority is pushing tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards, with a week-long regional training bringing in Cape Verde alongside Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and The Gambia. Fisheries & Food Systems: FAO hosted the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with Cabo Verde among ministers discussing how to protect livelihoods and strengthen sustainable small-scale fisheries. Sovereign Finance: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating review says Cabo Verde and other states raised over $14bn in H1 2026, but warns much borrowing went to budgets and debt management rather than productive investment. Energy & Climate Diplomacy: Coverage highlights Cabo Verde’s planned participation in the Pacific pre-COP climate talks, underscoring how climate funding and attendance shape regional industry planning. Port Digitalisation: Spain’s Port of Bilbao is moving to cloud-based logistics and customs integration with Indra, a sign of where maritime trade compliance is heading.

Road Safety Shock: Cape Verde mourns after a bus crash killed at least 25 schoolchildren, with 19 injured; authorities are still investigating the cause. Public Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC says rumours can turn deadly during outbreaks, pointing to “genital theft” claims that have sparked killings across parts of Africa. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority, with IMO support, is running regional training to tighten seafarer assessment and certification standards, including participation from Cape Verde. Small-Scale Fisheries: FAO hosted a summit in Rome with ministers including Cabo Verde to push sustainable, inclusive support for small-scale fisheries. Sovereign Finance Watch: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating review says Cabo Verde and other states raised over $14bn in H1 2026, but much lending went to budgets and debt management rather than productive investment. Shipping & Trade Tech: Spain’s Port of Bilbao is digitising freight and customs processes with Indra to meet EU rules—an example of the kind of systems Cabo Verde’s logistics sector may need to stay competitive.

Maritime Skills Push: Ghana Maritime Authority and the International Maritime Organisation launched a five-day regional training in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment and certification, bringing examiners and instructors from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia under IMO Model Course 3.12. Sovereign Debt Watch: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says Cabo Verde (among others) raised over $14bn in H1 2026, but much of the borrowing went to budgets, debt servicing and liability management rather than productive investment. Small-Scale Fisheries Focus: At FAO’s 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, Cabo Verde featured in minister discussions on how to secure sustainable fisheries for livelihoods and food security. Port Tech Upgrade: Indra was selected to digitise and automate the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules, aiming to cut transit times and integrate freight and logistics data in real time. Climate Diplomacy with Cabo Verde in the mix: Pre-COP 31 planning includes leaders from Cabo Verde among confirmed attendees for the Fiji/Tuvalu lead-up event.

Maritime Skills Boost: Ghana Maritime Authority and IMO are running a regional training in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment and certification, bringing together examiners and institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to improve safety and global competitiveness. Port Digital Upgrade: Spain’s Indra will digitise and automate the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules, including the Union Customs Code and European Maritime Single Window, aiming to cut transit times via real-time “single declaration” data sharing. Small-Scale Fisheries Focus: FAO hosted the 3rd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, with Cabo Verde among ministers discussing how to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries for food security and livelihoods. Aviation Connectivity: TAP’s Africa network includes Cabo Verde and other Portuguese-speaking markets, and Portugal is moving to a final negotiation round after bids for a 44.9% stake in the national airline were judged too similar. Finance Watch: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says Cabo Verde was among countries upgraded in H1 2026, with more loans tied to stabilization and debt management than productive investment. Energy & Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s pre-COP 31 climate event in Fiji and Tuvalu has confirmed leaders including Cabo Verde, while the Pacific hosts push for more climate action and renewable energy investment.

Maritime Skills Push: Ghana’s Maritime Authority and the IMO launched a week-long regional training in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment, examination and certification standards, bringing together examiners and institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to boost safety and competitiveness in global shipping. Sovereign Debt Watch: An Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says African states raised over $14bn in international markets in H1 2026, with upgrades for Cabo Verde among others, but warns much borrowing went to budget support and debt management rather than productive investment. Air Connectivity Stakes: Portugal’s TAP sale talks entered a final negotiation round after bids were judged too similar, with TAP’s Africa network including Cabo Verde—meaning any outcome could affect travel and business links across Portuguese-speaking markets. Port Digital Upgrade: Spanish firm Indra will digitise and automate the Port of Bilbao’s freight and customs systems to meet EU requirements, a reminder of how logistics operators are modernising compliance and data-sharing. Climate Diplomacy (Cabo Verde in the mix): In the Pacific pre-COP process, Fiji and Tuvalu confirmed leaders including Cabo Verde for the October talks, as UN warnings point to likely breach of the 1.5°C goal within five years.

Maritime Skills Upgrade: The Ghana Maritime Authority, with the IMO, launched a one-week regional training in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment, examination and certification standards, bringing together assessors and examiners from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to reduce competency gaps and protect safety in a sector moving most global goods by sea. Sovereign Debt Watch: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says African states raised over $14bn in international markets in the first half of 2026, but much of it went to budget support and debt management rather than productive investment; it also notes rating upgrades for Cabo Verde among others, tied to stabilization and reform credibility. Energy & Climate Diplomacy: Coverage around the Pacific pre-COP climate push highlights Cabo Verde’s confirmed leader attendance, while Australia faces scrutiny over climate commitments and the logistics bill for the lead-up events. Port Digitalisation (Regional Trade Tech): Spain’s Indra is set to digitise and automate the Port of Bilbao’s systems to meet EU customs rules, aiming to cut transit times via real-time data sharing across shipping, customs, terminals and hauliers.

Climate & Energy Diplomacy: Cabo Verde is set to be represented at Australia’s pre-COP31 climate leaders event in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends the turnout after critics questioned low attendance and warned the Pacific push could be undermined by Australia’s coal and gas expansion approvals. Sovereign Finance Watch: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says African states raised over $14bn on international markets in H1 2026, with Cabo Verde among countries receiving foreign-currency rating upgrades tied to stabilization, fiscal consolidation and reserve strength. Maritime Response & Connectivity: Oceanwide Expeditions says it evacuated critically ill patients to Cape Verde after a hantavirus outbreak onboard the Hondius, then disembarked remaining guests and part of the crew for screening and repatriation. Port Digitalisation (EU-linked): Indra is digitising the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules, aiming to integrate freight and logistics data in the cloud and speed up procedures for shipping, customs, terminals and hauliers.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese faces backlash over low turnout for a pre-COP31 leaders’ meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu, even as Cabo Verde is listed among confirmed participants—raising questions about how climate commitments and regional influence line up. Sovereign Finance Watch: A new Africa sovereign credit review says Cabo Verde and other states raised over $14bn in international markets in H1 2026, with upgrades tied to stabilization and reforms, but warns much borrowing still targets budgets and debt management. Maritime Operations & Safety: Oceanwide Expeditions says it evacuated critically ill patients to Cape Verde after a hantavirus outbreak onboard an Antarctic cruise, then disembarked remaining guests and crew for screening and repatriation. Port Digitalisation: Spain’s Indra is set to digitise and automate the Port of Bilbao’s systems to meet EU customs rules, improving real-time freight and logistics data sharing. Energy Transition in the Pacific: Australia announced funding for Palau’s solar battery storage upgrades, aiming to cut diesel use and boost renewable generation—part of the same climate push under scrutiny.

UNESCO & Heritage Tourism: São Tomé and Príncipe has added six former “rocas” plantation estates to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, with investors now eyeing tourism development alongside a 10-year restoration push for crumbling sites tied to slavery and forced labor. Maritime Response & Cabo Verde Link: Oceanwide Expeditions’ Antarctic cruise response to a deadly hantavirus outbreak included evacuating critically ill patients to Cape Verde for urgent care, then screening and repatriating guests and crew via the Canaries. Port Digitalisation: Indra is digitising and automating the Port of Bilbao to meet EU customs rules (UCC and EMSWe), aiming to speed freight transit through real-time cloud integration for shipping, customs, terminals and hauliers. Climate Diplomacy (Cabo Verde named): At Australia’s Pacific pre-COP climate talks, Fiji says leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste have confirmed attendance, as turnout criticism grows. Energy & Renewables: Australia is funding solar battery storage for Palau to cut diesel use and expand renewable generation—part of the broader Pacific climate push.

Port & Trade Digitalisation: Indra is digitising the Port of Bilbao’s freight and logistics systems to meet the EU’s new customs rules, integrating data into the cloud and enabling real-time “single declaration” interactions to cut transit times. Climate Diplomacy (Cape Verde in the mix): Fiji has listed early confirmed leaders for the Pacific pre-COP climate talks, including Cabo Verde, with Australia defending the modest turnout and the event’s logistics and costs. Energy & Grid Storage (renewables push): Australia is backing Palau’s solar battery upgrades, aiming to double storage capacity, raise renewable generation, and reduce diesel use. Maritime Safety Training: The IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional workshop in Accra to strengthen seafarer certification examiners and close competency gaps. Tourism & Heat Adaptation: A new report highlights how extreme heat is forcing African tourism to shift schedules, with Cabo Verde’s coastlines cited as part of the outdoors-dependent sector facing changing seasons. Aviation Disruption (Cape Verde route): easyJet cancellations affected passengers travelling from Cape Verde to Porto, leaving some stranded on Boa Vista and raising concerns about access to medication.