Praia, May 29, 2025 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's government on Thursday announced a new aid programme with the World Bank for the country for the next decade, aimed at supporting economic growth, job creation and strengthening the archipelago's resilience.
The news is an "important step forward for Cape Verde that strengthens the already solid partnership" focused on implementing "projects and investments that increase the capacity to generate wealth, promote inclusive economic growth and create quality jobs, especially for young people," said the prime minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, in a post on his Facebook page, following a meeting in Washington with the World Bank's president, Ajay Banga.
The new programme also includes measures to increase the country's resilience, reduce vulnerabilities to external shocks and improve the living conditions of the population, he said.
Correia e Silva also thanked the World Bank for its support in celebrating 50 years of independence, considering this gesture a "strong demonstration of trust."
The prime minister was on Thursday ending a two-day mission to Washington, as part of the international celebrations for the 50th anniversary of his country's independence from Portugal.
This symbolic visit aims to celebrate progress since 1975 and strengthen partnerships with international institutions and development agents.
One of the main objectives was to deepen collaboration with the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, which he described as "two crucial institutions for the country's development."
At the meeting with the IMF's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, the prime minister emphasised the good existing partnership, highlighting macroeconomic stability and the country's ability to withstand global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
He said that future challenges were also addressed at the meeting, namely the reforms and investments needed to diversify the economy and guarantee growth, as well as the commitment to reducing public debt.
Stability remains a priority, essential for attracting investment and generating confidence, he stressed.
Correia e Silva also announced a project to create, with technical support from the IMF, a centre of excellence for fiscal, financial and macroeconomic training, aimed at Portuguese-language countries and members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
RS/ARO // ARO.
Lusa
