“Many people say that Cape Verde is a beacon for other African countries,” says Guelberto Do Rosario, the politician of the long -serving cape Wordian.
The former Prime Minister (in 2000 and 2001) and the current ruling movement for Democracy (MPD) explains DW, “I don’t believe in this way. Undoubtedly, Cape Verde is better than many African countries in various indices.”
“But I still think a lot has to be done, and we must continue to push the country,” they say.
Development index above average
Cape Varde has scored well on the United Nations Sustainable Development Gols (SDG), with figures above average compared to African countries. Thesis 17 global targets – including poverty decrease, education and health – are the worldwide targets for 2030.
But the comparison of Rozario with the countries of African mainland is only partially meaningful. He pointed to the history and geography of Cape Verde: “Our islands were uninhabited and were decided by the European and African immigrants starting only in the 1460s. It makes our development unique.”
For that, the long battle against the poverty of Cape Varde has shaped the wishes of the islands and helped them progress even in difficult situations.
Progress in education and health
In the last five decades, Cape Varde has made remarkable progress – especially in education and healthcare.
Antonio da Silva, a former freedom fighter and now the Executive Secretary of the Civil Society Commission who organizes the independence ceremony, ie positive attitude. As a youth, he joined the rebellious organization Paigc (African party for the freedom of Guinea and Cape Verde), which is against the Portuguese colonial rule in Guinea-Bissau.
“In 1975, there was a lot of poverty, which is now difficult to imagine,” Da Silva says. The biggest progress, they say, in education: then, there is hardly any secondary school, and only a few people can move to the capital Priya to go to school. Today, education is widely accessible and is considered important for social progress. In 1975, the 65% population is illiterate, while today’s figure is about 3%.
The healthcare system is quite agile: in 1974, there were only 13 doctors and two hospitals; Today, hundreds of medical professionals work in the Atlantic nation, where most of islands now have hospitals.
Although Cape Verde is ranked 90th out of 195 countries in terms of child mortality, standing at the rate of 38 per 1,000 newborns, lower than many West African counters. For example, in Sierra Leone, it is 284 per 1,000; And 265 per 1,000 in Niger. The average life expenses of Cape Verde are around 74.7 years, the highest in the continent.
The struggle for freedom has paid, Da Silva says: “In the early 70s, hardly anyone believed in an independent cape Varde. But today, all expectations have accelerated.”
Social policy against excessive poverty
Despite the progress, about 2.3% of Cape Wordians live in excessive poverty – Rafli 11,700 people. The government has responded with social policies targeted to support vulnerable groups. For example, the “MAIS” fund was established in 2023, providing millions of euros annually for social programs funded by a tourism tax.
Migration is another pressure issue. Between 2009 and 2021, about 34,000 young Cape Wordians left the country – about 6% of the population. Despite an increase in monthly minimum wage of 100 to 154 euros, many people have better opportunities abroad. What did youth irregularities do around 23.9% in 2023 in Cape Verde.
“Migration is part of our culture,” Guelberto Does Rosrio. “Almost every cape is relative abroad of Wordian. Leaving home and returning home lies deeply.”
Nevertheless, he regrets the loss of many young, well educated people. At the same time, many migrants are connected to their motherland and make significant contribution through dispatch.
The size of over 500,000 inhabitants and a migrant people in nine settled islands with a size of abroad, Cape Varde is one of the most stable and developed countries in Africa today.
“All Cape Wordians – whether on abroad or islands – are part of this amazing nation that are independent of half a century,” says the former Prime Minister.
Edited by: Cai Nebe
