Cabo Verde and China Deepen Strategic Infrastructure Ties; Bilateral Memorandum Focuses on Energy, Water, and Integrated Island Development

The government of Cabo Verde has formally signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to strengthen cooperation across the energy, water management, agricultural, and integrated development sectors. Signed in the capital city of Praia by Cabo Verde’s Minister of Project Coordination and Access to Funds, Jose Carlos Varela, and CMEC Chairman Wang Bo, the agreement establishes a practical framework for medium- and long-term bilateral collaboration. As highlighted in official international wire reporting by Xinhua News Agency and syndicate coverage from China.org.cn, alongside ongoing national economic coverage tracking public investments on Inforpress (Agência Cabo-Verdiana de Notícias) and analysis on Cabo Verde Expert Briefings, the agreement mobilizes technical expertise, engineering capabilities, and financing models to support Cabo Verde’s national development agenda.

Under the energy component of the agreement, both parties plan to collaborate on modernizing thermal power facilities, expanding renewable energy generation, integrating energy storage solutions, upgrading power distribution grids, and building out supporting infrastructure for electric vehicles. In parallel, cooperation in water resources and agriculture will focus on seawater desalination projects, wastewater reuse systems, and smart water management technologies designed to strengthen climate resilience and water security across the archipelago. Additionally, the MoU outlines major urban and regional infrastructure initiatives, including development projects along the São Vicente waterfront and the creation of an integrated development corridor spanning Cabo Verde’s northern islands.

Highlighting the strategic value of the partnership, Chinese Ambassador to Cabo Verde Zhang Yang noted that the agreement underscores a mutual commitment to deepening economic cooperation between both nations. Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho reaffirmed that the targeted sectors—particularly clean energy, water security, and island infrastructure—are essential pillars of the government’s economic agenda. By leveraging CMEC’s capabilities in planning, financing, engineering, and long-term facility maintenance, Cabo Verde seeks to accelerate structural transformation and foster sustainable growth across its island economies.