Unlocking Connectivity: A Deep Dive into Cape Verde’s Internet Access Landscape and Emerging Opportunities

• Market Overview
• Technology Trends Shaping Connectivity
• Competitive Landscape and Key Players
• Growth Forecasts and Market Potential
• Regional Analysis of Internet Penetration
• Future Outlook for Digital Expansion
• Challenges and Opportunities in Cape Verde’s Internet Sector
• Sources & References

“Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) has made significant strides in expanding internet access across its islands.” (source)

Market Overview

The market for internet access in Cape Verde has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by government initiatives, international partnerships, and increasing demand for digital services. As of 2023, Cape Verde’s internet penetration rate stands at approximately 71.5%, with around 400,000 active internet users out of a total population of 561,000 (DataReportal). This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand connectivity across the archipelago.

Mobile internet is the dominant mode of access, with over 95% of users connecting via smartphones. The country’s two main telecom operators, CVTelecom and Unitel T+, have invested heavily in 4G LTE infrastructure, covering most urban and semi-urban areas. However, rural and remote islands still face challenges related to coverage and service quality (ITU).

• Broadband Access: Fixed broadband subscriptions remain limited, with a penetration rate of just 7.2% in 2022. High costs and limited infrastructure are the primary barriers to wider adoption (World Bank).
• International Connectivity: The EllaLink submarine cable, operational since 2021, has significantly improved international bandwidth and reduced latency, enhancing the quality of internet services and supporting the growth of the digital economy (EllaLink).
• Government Initiatives: The government’s “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to achieve universal internet access, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation. Public Wi-Fi hotspots and e-government services are being rolled out to bridge the digital divide (Governo de Cabo Verde).

Outlook: The outlook for internet access in Cape Verde is positive. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks and international cooperation, are expected to drive further growth. The expansion of 4G and the anticipated rollout of 5G services will likely enhance connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. However, addressing affordability and digital skills gaps remains crucial to achieving inclusive digital transformation.

Technology Trends Shaping Connectivity

Internet Access in Cape Verde: Current Status and Outlook

Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, has made significant strides in expanding internet access over the past decade. As of 2023, the country’s internet penetration rate stands at approximately 71%, with over 400,000 active internet users out of a population of around 560,000 (DataReportal). This growth is largely attributed to government initiatives, increased mobile broadband coverage, and investments in undersea cable infrastructure.

• Mobile Connectivity: The majority of Cape Verdeans access the internet via mobile devices. According to the National Communications Agency (ANAC), mobile broadband subscriptions reached 85% of the population in 2022, driven by the widespread availability of 3G and 4G networks (ANAC).
• Fixed Broadband: Fixed broadband penetration remains lower, at around 12%, due to the high costs of infrastructure deployment across the archipelago’s ten islands. However, urban centers such as Praia and Mindelo enjoy higher speeds and more reliable connections.
• International Connectivity: Cape Verde is connected to the global internet via the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and the Atlantis-2 submarine cable, which have improved bandwidth and reduced latency (Submarine Cable Map).

Outlook

The government’s “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to achieve universal internet access, promote digital literacy, and foster a knowledge-based economy. Key projects include expanding fiber-optic networks, introducing 5G trials, and supporting public Wi-Fi hotspots in rural and underserved areas (Governo de Cabo Verde).

Challenges remain, particularly in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities and ensuring affordability. Nevertheless, with ongoing investments and policy support, Cape Verde is well-positioned to further enhance connectivity, drive innovation, and support socio-economic development in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

The competitive landscape for internet access in Cape Verde is characterized by a small but dynamic market, shaped by the country’s insular geography and ongoing digital transformation efforts. As of 2023, Cape Verde’s internet penetration rate stands at approximately 71.5%, with around 400,000 internet users out of a total population of 561,000 (DataReportal). The government’s commitment to digital inclusion and infrastructure development has spurred competition among key players, resulting in improved service quality and expanding coverage.

• Cabo Verde Telecom (CVTelecom): The state-owned CVTelecom is the dominant player, providing fixed broadband, mobile internet, and international connectivity. Through its subsidiaries, CVMóvel and CVMultimedia, it offers 4G LTE services and fiber-optic broadband, covering major urban centers and expanding into rural areas (CVTelecom).
• Unitel T+: As the main private competitor, Unitel T+ has significantly increased its market share since entering the market in 2007. It offers mobile internet and voice services, with a focus on affordable data packages and network expansion. Unitel T+ has played a key role in driving down prices and increasing internet accessibility (Unitel T+).
• Other ISPs: Smaller providers, such as CVMultimedia and local wireless ISPs, contribute to niche segments, particularly in business connectivity and remote islands. However, their market share remains limited due to infrastructure and scale challenges.

Competition has intensified with the rollout of 4G LTE and the ongoing deployment of fiber-optic networks. The government’s “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to further liberalize the sector, attract foreign investment, and achieve universal broadband coverage (Governo de Cabo Verde). Additionally, the connection to international submarine cables, such as the EllaLink system, has improved bandwidth and reduced latency, enhancing the quality of internet services (EllaLink).

Looking ahead, the outlook for internet access in Cape Verde is positive. Continued investment in infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and the entry of new players are expected to foster greater competition, lower prices, and expand high-speed internet access across the archipelago.

Growth Forecasts and Market Potential

The landscape of internet access in Cape Verde has evolved significantly over the past decade, positioning the archipelago as a digital frontrunner among West African nations. As of 2023, internet penetration in Cape Verde reached approximately 71% of the population, according to DataReportal. This figure represents a steady increase from just 57% in 2019, reflecting ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and government-led initiatives to bridge the digital divide.

Mobile connectivity is the primary driver of internet access, with over 95% of internet users accessing the web via smartphones. The expansion of 4G networks by operators such as CVTelecom and Unitel T+ has been instrumental, covering most urban and semi-urban areas. The government’s “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to further extend high-speed broadband to rural communities and islands, targeting universal access by the end of the decade (Governo de Cabo Verde).

Looking ahead, the market potential for internet services in Cape Verde remains robust:

• Projected Growth: The number of internet users is expected to surpass 80% penetration by 2027, driven by affordable data plans, device accessibility, and digital literacy programs (Statista).
• Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing projects, such as the EllaLink submarine cable, are set to enhance international bandwidth and reduce latency, making Cape Verde a potential digital hub for the region (EllaLink).
• Market Opportunities: The growing internet user base is fueling demand for e-commerce, fintech, e-government, and online education services. The government’s commitment to digital transformation is attracting foreign investment and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Despite these positive trends, challenges remain, including high connectivity costs in remote areas and the need for further digital skills development. However, with strong policy support and private sector engagement, Cape Verde’s internet market is poised for sustained growth, offering significant opportunities for service providers, investors, and technology innovators in the coming years.

Regional Analysis of Internet Penetration

Internet Access in Cape Verde: Current Status and Outlook

Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, has made significant strides in expanding internet access over the past decade. As of 2023, the internet penetration rate in Cape Verde stands at approximately 71.8%, with around 414,000 internet users out of a total population of 576,000 (DataReportal). This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and government-led initiatives to bridge the digital divide.

The majority of internet users in Cape Verde access the web via mobile devices, thanks to widespread 3G and expanding 4G coverage. According to the National Communications Agency (ANAC), mobile broadband subscriptions reached 82.5% of the population in 2022 (ANAC). Fixed broadband, however, remains less prevalent, with only about 10% of households connected, primarily in urban centers such as Praia and Mindelo.

Despite these advances, challenges persist. Rural and remote islands experience slower speeds and less reliable connections due to limited infrastructure. The average fixed broadband speed in Cape Verde is around 18 Mbps, which lags behind the global average of 79 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index). Affordability is another concern, as the cost of data and devices remains high relative to average incomes.

Looking ahead, the government has outlined ambitious plans to further improve internet access. The “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to achieve universal broadband coverage, enhance digital literacy, and foster a robust digital economy (Governo de Cabo Verde). Key projects include the expansion of undersea cable connections, public Wi-Fi initiatives, and incentives for private sector investment in ICT infrastructure.

• Current penetration rate: 71.8% (2023)
• Mobile broadband coverage: 82.5% of the population
• Fixed broadband coverage: ~10% of households
• Average fixed broadband speed: 18 Mbps

In summary, while Cape Verde has made commendable progress in internet access, continued investment and policy support are essential to ensure equitable, high-quality connectivity across all islands and communities.

Future Outlook for Digital Expansion

Internet Access in Cape Verde: Current Status and Outlook

Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, has made significant strides in expanding internet access over the past decade. As of 2023, the internet penetration rate in Cape Verde stands at approximately 71.5%, with around 400,000 users out of a total population of 560,000 (DataReportal). This marks a steady increase from previous years, driven by government initiatives, private sector investment, and international partnerships.

The country’s telecommunications infrastructure is relatively advanced compared to many of its regional peers. The majority of internet connections are mobile-based, with 3G and 4G networks covering most inhabited islands. Fixed broadband subscriptions, however, remain limited, with only about 5% of households having access to high-speed wired connections (ITU).

• Government Initiatives: The Cape Verdean government has prioritized digital transformation through its “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy, aiming to achieve universal internet access and foster a digital economy. Key projects include expanding fiber-optic networks, subsidizing internet costs for low-income households, and promoting digital literacy programs.
• International Support: Partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank have provided funding for infrastructure upgrades and capacity building (World Bank).
• Private Sector Role: Telecom operators like CVTelecom and Unitel T+ are investing in network expansion and introducing affordable data packages to increase accessibility.

Future Outlook

The outlook for internet access in Cape Verde is positive. The government’s goal is to achieve near-universal coverage by 2030, with a focus on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The planned deployment of 5G technology, expansion of undersea cable connections, and continued investment in digital skills are expected to further boost connectivity and support economic diversification (ITU News).

Challenges remain, including high service costs and limited digital infrastructure on remote islands. However, with sustained investment and policy support, Cape Verde is well-positioned to become a digital leader in the region, fostering innovation, education, and economic growth through improved internet access.

Challenges and Opportunities in Cape Verde’s Internet Sector

Internet Access in Cape Verde: Current Status and Outlook

Cape Verde, an island nation off the West African coast, has made notable progress in expanding internet access over the past decade. As of 2023, the country’s internet penetration rate stands at approximately 70%, with over 400,000 active internet users out of a population of around 600,000 (DataReportal). This growth is largely attributed to government initiatives, increased mobile broadband coverage, and investments in undersea cable infrastructure.

Mobile internet is the primary means of connectivity for most Cape Verdeans. The two main telecom operators, CVTelecom and Unitel T+, have expanded 3G and 4G networks to cover the majority of inhabited islands, with 4G coverage reaching over 80% of the population (ITU). Fixed broadband, however, remains limited, with only about 10% of households subscribing to fixed-line internet, mainly due to high costs and infrastructure challenges in remote areas.

Despite these advances, several challenges persist:

• Geographic Dispersion: Cape Verde’s archipelagic geography complicates the deployment of terrestrial infrastructure, leading to disparities in access between urban centers like Praia and Mindelo and more remote islands.
• Affordability: Internet costs remain relatively high compared to average incomes, with the monthly price for a basic broadband package exceeding 5% of gross national income per capita (A4AI).
• Digital Literacy: While younger generations are increasingly tech-savvy, digital skills gaps persist among older and rural populations, limiting the full benefits of connectivity.

Looking ahead, Cape Verde’s government has outlined ambitious plans to further improve internet access. The “Digital Cabo Verde 2030” strategy aims to achieve universal broadband coverage, promote digital literacy, and foster a vibrant digital economy (Governo de Cabo Verde). Ongoing projects include expanding fiber-optic networks, subsidizing internet access for vulnerable groups, and encouraging public-private partnerships to drive innovation.

In summary, while Cape Verde faces unique challenges due to its geography and economic constraints, the outlook for internet access is positive, with continued investment and policy support expected to bridge remaining gaps and unlock new opportunities for social and economic development.

Sources & References

• Internet Access in Cape Verde: Current Status and Outlook
• ITU
• World Bank
• Governo de Cabo Verde
• Submarine Cable Map
• Unitel T+
• Statista
• Speedtest Global Index
• A4AI