Tech4Good: Cabo Verde on the Digital Map — and the Challenge of Turning Innovation into Development

Feb 16
2 min read

Cabo Verde has been moving quickly on the path of digital transformation, consolidating itself as a hub of innovation in West Africa. Events like Tech4Good brought the spotlight not just on technological initiatives, but on how digital solutions can respond to concrete social and economic problems — from inclusion and sustainability to education and public services.

The event gathered innovators, entrepreneurs, managers, programmers, and representatives of companies and organisations with a common objective: to discuss the role of technology as an instrument of positive impact, not just efficiency or productivity.

The Digital Map of Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is already recognised for its fast expansion of connectivity, the adoption of digital public services, and a young population with high capacity for adaptation and learning. Still, the challenge remains: how to translate innovation into socioeconomic development?

In practice, this means going beyond events and hackathons, and focusing on scalable solutions, sustainable business models, and partnerships that take digital solutions into the daily lives of citizens and companies.

Innovation With Social Impact

One of the central messages of Tech4Good is that innovation cannot be separated from social impact. Technology must solve real problems experienced by communities — from access to education and health to the availability of information and opportunities for income generation.

This perspective shifts the focus from technology as an end in itself to technology as a means for inclusion, equity, and sustainable development. The challenge is not only to build apps or platforms, but to ensure they effectively reach the people who most need them.

Ecosystem Strengthening and Local Talent

Another topic highlighted at the event was the importance of strengthening the innovation ecosystem — not only through access to capital, but also through training, networking, and international partnerships that help local talent grow and export their solutions abroad.

In this sense, organisations, universities, accelerators, and companies play complementary roles: training talent, validating products, and helping startups become competitive and sustainable in regional and global markets.

The Challenge of Implementation

Although there is enthusiasm and strategic alignment, the real test lies in implementation. This includes public policies that support startups, regulatory frameworks that encourage investment, tax incentives linked to innovation, and infrastructures that allow solutions to scale.

Moreover, entrepreneurship must be connected with real sectors of the economy — such as agriculture, tourism, trade, and services — so that digital solutions do not remain confined to niche markets but reach the broader business fabric of the country.

Conclusion: Innovation as a Development Engine

Tech4Good shows that Cabo Verde is on the digital map, with the potential to become an example of how technology can be a driving force for sustainable development. However, this transition — from ideas to impact — requires concerted efforts, structured support, and long-term commitment from the public and private sectors.

In the end, the message is clear: innovation should not be a slogan — it should be a tool for real transformation, anchored in the needs of society and the economy. Cabo Verde has the talent and the environment; now it must transform that potential into results that benefit all citizens.

This topic was discussed in detail in the latest episode of the “Economia Descomplicada” podcast.

Listen to the full episode here: