Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Government today presented the National Strategy for the Implementation of 5G, for the period 2026-2036, a “critical” infrastructure to boost the digital economy, attract investment, innovate services and accelerate the construction of the digital nation. The investment for the project is estimated at three million escudos.
This statement was made by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Digital Economy, Olavo Correia, who presided over the project presentation conference.
Olavo Correia indicated that the Government of Cape Verde is focused on three crucial areas: investment in human skills and capabilities related to digital technology, in quantity and quality; the creation of a legal, regulatory and business framework favorable to investment and the development of the digital economy; and the strengthening of digital connectivity, an indispensable condition for data circulation and territorial cohesion.
The ambition, according to the government official, is to accelerate the dynamics of development and put Cape Verde on the path to becoming a high-income country in the next decade.
“Digital technology is simultaneously an accelerator, an amplifier, and a creator of opportunities. Without a structured commitment to this area, this ambition will not be achievable,” emphasized Olavo Correia.
He therefore assured that the Government is investing seriously in public digital infrastructure.
According to the Minister, a digital nation requires a digital identity accessible to all, widespread digital signatures, effective digital residency, and a data strategy based on the principle that information is provided only once, shared securely, and used interoperably between the State and the private sector.
“This transformation also implies a change of mentality. What the Government wants as a digital nation means widespread, inclusive, and efficient digital public services,” stated the politician, stressing that this means e-commerce as an integral part of the economy; and it means moving towards an increasingly cashless economy, supported by digital payment systems and the development of fintechs.
She further emphasized that digital technology must be present in public services, education, health, training, security, economic diversification, and, especially, in the creation of qualified and well-paid jobs for young people, on all islands, in the country and in the diaspora.
Costs will not be passed on to the consumer
The president of the board of directors of the Multissectoral Regulatory Agency of the Economy (ARME) guaranteed, during the ceremony, that the costs associated with the implementation of 5G technology will not be passed on to the consumer, ensuring a balance between the sustainability of operators and prices.
According to Leonilde dos Santos, the implementation of 5G goes beyond increasing internet speed; it is a structuring infrastructure that will allow the development of new services in areas such as digital health, distance education, and other strategic sectors.
The Chairwoman of ARME acknowledged that challenges persist in remote areas and those considered “shadow zones,” but assured that the national strategy includes specific mechanisms to reduce asymmetries in internet access.
Among the measures mentioned are infrastructure sharing between operators, investment incentives, and complementary connectivity solutions, including terrestrial and satellite networks.
“This strategy also determined the areas considered shadow zones; it will be a joint effort with the operators themselves, the Government, and the regulatory body to ensure that the internet effectively reaches everyone,” she said.
Leonilde dos Santos highlighted the sharing of infrastructure such as towers, poles, and conduits as a central element to reduce costs, avoid duplication of investments, and create economies of scale in a small market like Cape Verde’s.
“This is the basis of this national strategy; it will allow us to reduce asymmetries and bring the internet to more people,” she guaranteed, admitting that 5G implies significant investments.
This official argued, however, that the strategy model ensures financial returns for operators while protecting consumers.
“We will ensure that these costs are not passed on to the consumer,” she reiterated, adding that the implementation of 5G should contribute to greater productivity, innovation, and economic growth in the country.
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