Cabo Verde's telecom buildout: where US equipment meets demand

Cabo Verde, an archipelago of ten islands off the West African coast, has positioned itself as a regional hub for digital services and connectivity. With a population of about 560,000 and a GDP per capita among the highest in West Africa, the country has invested steadily in modernizing its telecommunications backbone. The government’s Digital Cabo Verde agenda, coupled with growing mobile and broadband penetration, creates a modest but concrete market for U.S. exporters of telecommunications infrastructure equipment such as fiber optic cables, microwave transmission gear, base stations, and network management systems.

The Demand Landscape

Cabo Verde’s telecom sector is dominated by two main operators: CVMóvel (a subsidiary of the Portuguese group NOS) and Unitel T+. Both are actively expanding their 4G coverage and preparing for 5G trials, particularly in the capital Praia and on the islands of Sal and São Vicente, where tourism and business activity are highest. The government is also pushing for universal broadband access through the National Broadband Program, which aims to connect all public institutions and underserved rural areas. This has spurred demand for last-mile fiber and fixed wireless access equipment. Additionally, the country’s reliance on submarine cables—such as the EllaLink and WACS systems—means there is ongoing need for landing station equipment and backhaul infrastructure.

Import Requirements and Logistics

Cabo Verde is a signatory to the WTO Information Technology Agreement, which eliminates tariffs on many telecom products, but value-added tax (VAT) of 15% applies to most imports. The country’s telecom regulator, ANAC (Agência Nacional de Comunicações), requires type approval for radio equipment and devices that emit electromagnetic frequencies. This certification process can take several weeks and should be factored into delivery timelines. Logistics are handled primarily through the Port of Praia on Santiago Island, with a secondary entry point at the Port of Mindelo on São Vicente. Both ports are equipped with container handling facilities, but inter-island shipping can add costs and delays. Air freight is an option for smaller, high-value components via Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal.

Coppermont Advisory for This Corridor

For U.S. exporters, Cabo Verde represents a niche but accessible market. The country’s business environment is relatively transparent, English is spoken in professional circles, and the legal framework is based on Portuguese civil law with modern commercial codes. However, the market is small, so success often hinges on forming partnerships with local system integrators or directly with the operators themselves. Coppermont can assist with market entry strategy, identifying qualified buyers, and navigating the type approval process through our in-country network. We also advise on structuring financing through U.S. Export-Import Bank programs, which are well-suited to infrastructure projects in Cabo Verde. If you are looking to supply fiber optic cable, microwave antennas, or network switches to one of Africa’s most digitally ambitious nations, we can help you build the right channel.

Get Started

Cabo Verde’s telecom modernization is real, but it requires a targeted approach. Contact Coppermont today to discuss how we can connect your telecommunications infrastructure products to the right buyers in this Atlantic island nation.