Cape Verde: A Development Success Story

Africa’s Response to its Development Challenges

Organized by Syracuse University

May 18, 2006

By Ambassador José Brito

OUTLINE

Overview: Location & DemographyCapeverdean DiasporaKey ChallengesProcess of DemocratizationBuilding the Sustainability of the EconomyConclusions

Archipelago – 10 Islands, uninhabited when discovered by Portugal in 1460 a.d.

Land Area – 1,557 sq.m Population: 435,000 Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 8% Christian

Protestant, 2% others Language – Portuguese & Local Creole Growth 27% in 10 years Main Towns: Praia, Mindelo Time – GMT + 1hr.

Overview:Location & Demography

Cape Verde

Capeverdeans in the World

USA Total Americas

Europe Africa Total World

265,000 274,000 150.000 95,000 519,000

Estimate from Instituto das Comunidades

Key Challenges

Geographic discontinuity

Small internal market

Low rainfall and difficult climatic conditions

                                                                  

         

Limited resources

Inadequate infrastructures

High level of unemployment

Deepening poverty

However, Cabo Verde is today an African success story

The Process of Democratization

Democratic Share Values

Democratic Institutions

Democratic Share Values

Individual Rights - Life - Liberty - Freedom of Speech

Diversity - Rights of Individual - Respecting Difference - Freedom of Press

Justice - Due Process - Rule of Law - Right to a Fair Trial

Equality - Equal protection of law - Equal Opportunity - Social Equality

The Common Good - Safety and Security - General Welfare - Popular Sovereignty

Respect Institutions - Separation of Powers - Checks and Balances - Respect of Decisions

The Capeverdean Exception in Africa

CAPE VERDE,

A NATION

BEFORE A STATE

Democratic Institutions

Political SystemLegislative SystemElectoral SystemCourt and Law Enforcement Systems Local Institutions Public Administration Civil Society Organizations Press

The Building of Democratic Institutions

Facing the Vulnerability and Building a Viable State

Managing the Political TransitionConsolidating the Economy and the

Institutions

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Business as usual precipitating social and economic decline

Sustained AID & remittances; continued economic growth but no transformation

Significant change and rapid transformation based on exploiting & building our competitive advantage

Development AIDEmigrants Remittances

Building competitive advantages

Location

Sea

Climate

GoodGovernance

Network strategic Partners

Gateway to/from Africa Hub passenger and Cargo

TranshipmentMarine Resources

Exclusive Economic ZoneFishing Regional Center

Sun, Sea, MountainsMalaria Free

Renewable Energies

Stability/ PeaceCorruption Free

Sound Management

Market AccessECOWAS/PALOP/ CPLP

Europe/Americas/Global Nation

HumanResources

Diversify & Rich CultureUniversal primary education

Fast learners

Free Open Economy + Good Governance and Maturing Stable Economy + Highly Literate Society

REASONS TO VISIT CAPE VERDE

CABO VERDE IS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY

REASONS TO VISIT CAPE VERDE

REASONS TO VISIT CAPE VERDE

Conclusions

Poverty is not a fate A self-sustaining high growth economy is

possible in a resource less country Good governance is a strategic resource

THANK YOUOBRIGADO