Cabo Verde has launched a €400,000 digital skills program aimed at equipping up to 3,000 young people with training for remote and freelance work, government officials said on Monday.
The initiative targets youth both within the archipelago and among the Cabo Verdean diaspora, seeking to harness global digital employment opportunities while addressing high local unemployment. Youth unemployment in Cabo Verde currently stands at 27.8 percent, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions to improve job prospects for the country’s younger population.
Speaking at the launch, officials highlighted that the program aligns training with the evolving needs of global markets, particularly in sectors such as IT, digital marketing, software development, and remote services. The government emphasized that skills development is critical for fostering economic inclusion and reducing dependency on traditional, often limited, domestic job markets.
“This initiative is designed to empower young Cabo Verdeans with the tools they need to participate in the global digital economy,” said a senior government official. “By providing training aligned with international market demand, we aim to increase employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen connections with our diaspora.”
The program is supported by both public and private sector partners and leverages online learning platforms to ensure accessibility. The curriculum includes technical training in digital technologies, as well as soft skills such as project management, communication, and freelancing strategies. Participants will also receive mentorship and guidance on establishing themselves in remote work environments.
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Cabo Verde has seen rapid growth in internet connectivity, with penetration reaching 73.5% in 2023, creating fertile ground for online employment and digital entrepreneurship. Officials noted that the program will complement existing initiatives to promote technology adoption and innovation, including ICT infrastructure development and support for startups.
Analysts say digital skills programs can play a critical role in island nations like Cabo Verde, where geographic limitations restrict traditional employment opportunities. By enabling youth to access global labor markets remotely, the government aims to mitigate structural unemployment and increase household income levels, particularly in rural and less-connected communities.
The program also reflects broader trends in Africa, where governments increasingly emphasize digital literacy and remote work training to address youth unemployment and enhance competitiveness in the global economy. According to regional experts, such initiatives can stimulate innovation, create new business models, and facilitate diaspora engagement in domestic development.
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“This initiative is not just about training; it’s about building sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young people,” said an education policy analyst. “With strong internet infrastructure and targeted support, Cabo Verde could position itself as a hub for skilled remote workers in West Africa and beyond.”
Participants in the program will be selected through an application process that considers their interest in digital work, previous experience, and potential for successful integration into remote work markets. The initiative also aims to promote gender equality in the digital workforce, ensuring young women have equal access to training and employment opportunities.
The €400,000 digital skills program represents a strategic investment in human capital, demonstrating Cabo Verde’s commitment to innovation-led development. By equipping its youth with globally relevant skills, the country hopes to reduce unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and integrate more fully into the digital economy, both domestically and internationally.
With youth unemployment remaining a pressing challenge, initiatives like this digital skills program signal a proactive approach by the Cabo Verdean government to leverage technology as a tool for economic growth, inclusion, and resilience.
