AGP Executive Report

Africa-GCC Investment Diplomacy: Dr. M’zée Fula Ngenge says the Africa Pavilion at AIM Congress 2026 will shift from “visibility” to deal-making, turning dialogue into bankable projects and long-term partnerships in Dubai. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session adopted new global commodity standards and updated hygiene rules, including guidance on water reuse, pathogen controls in chicken, and allergen labelling in emergencies. Women in Health Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej was named among ABCD Africa’s “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” highlighting work on girls’ education and equitable healthcare. Atlantic Watch (Cape Verde-linked): Forecasters are tracking tropical waves near the Cabo Verde region, with one showing a low chance of development and another a higher chance as conditions evolve. Digital VAT Reform: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to modernize VAT administration using digital tools for stronger domestic revenue. Cabo Verde Tech & Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is driving cybercrime growth across Africa, with Cabo Verde among the highest in ransomware detections. Energy Storage Tech: Elestor’s hydrogen–iron flow batteries explain how separating power and energy capacity could support long-duration storage needs. Film & Production Networks (Cabo Verde): Locarno’s Open Doors Producers program selected Cabo Verde’s Natasha Craveiro, boosting cross-border African film careers.

Satellite & Weather Tech: Cabo Verde’s ARME opened a public consultation on a regulatory framework for satellite communication networks and services, running until 31 August 2026—aimed at enabling a modern, technology-neutral space sector. Climate & Atlantic Monitoring: Forecasters are tracking two tropical waves near the Cabo Verde region; one has a low chance of development as it heads toward wind shear, while the other shows a higher chance thanks to moisture and a forming low-pressure area. Digital Tax Reform: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to push digital VAT modernization across West Africa, targeting stronger domestic revenue mobilization. Cybersecurity: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment flags AI-driven cybercrime growth, with Cabo Verde among the highest ransomware detection countries. Sports-Tech Spotlight: A tiny red sea slug discovery links Cabo Verde football history to marine science, while WAFCON quarter-final matchups confirm Cape Verde’s exit after earning its first point. Human Capital & Migration: A Cape Verde tourism skills push (TUI Academy) highlights how training can help young people stay—yet emigration pressures remain strong.

Space & Marine Science: Cabo Verde’s World Cup hero Vozinha gets a science nod as researchers link a tiny 0.16-inch red sea slug found near Havana and Guadeloupe to the goalkeeper’s tribute—though the formal scientific name is still stuck in naming rules. Weather & Safety: The Atlantic is watching two new potential systems near the Cape Verde region, with low-to-medium chances of developing before wind shear and Saharan dust push them back. Digital Governance: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to drive digital VAT reform, aiming to modernize tax collection and boost domestic revenue. Tech Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME opens a public consultation on a satellite communications regulatory framework, running until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is powering a surge in African cybercrime, with Cabo Verde among the highest in ransomware detections. Energy Storage: Hydrogen–iron flow battery tech (Elestor) explains how separating power and energy could support long-duration storage.

Digital Tax Reform: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants from 16 countries in Abuja to push modernized Value Added Tax (VAT) administration across West Africa, with a strong focus on using digital tools to boost domestic revenue. Satellite Tech Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME opened a public consultation on a regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, running until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity Alert: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, including record ransomware detections in Cabo Verde. Weather Data Innovation: A weather-balloon company described “sky-to-sea” missions that keep sending ocean data after balloons land in the water—an approach that could matter for Atlantic forecasting. Agroecology for Resilience: A West Africa agroecology conference in Accra highlighted nature-based farming to rebuild degraded soils and improve climate resilience, including projects linked to Cape Verde. Tourism & Skills: On Sal, vocational training linked to tourism is helping young people enter hospitality, even as many still consider emigration. WAFCON Update: Cape Verde exited WAFCON after drawing Cameroon’s group, with quarter-finals now set.

Satellite Tech in Focus: Cabo Verde’s ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral setup; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity Alert: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, with AI behind 55% of reported incidents; it also flags record ransomware detections in Cabo Verde (16,997). Weather & Data Innovation: A long-duration balloon program is turning “sky” readings into “sea” buoy data, with plans to deploy thousands of ocean buoys to expand forecasting coverage. Tourism vs. Migration Reality Check: A new look at Cabo Verde’s youth shows hospitality training efforts on Sal, but also the pull of emigration as more people live abroad than at home. Regional Tech Diplomacy: A Congressional delegation visit included a weather balloon facility in Cabo Verde, highlighting interest in similar research for American Samoa.

Satellite Comms Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communication networks and services, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral setup; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity & AI: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, enabling 55% of reported incidents, with Cabo Verde among the countries seeing record ransomware detections. Weather Data From the Sky to the Sea: WindBorne Systems is using long-duration weather balloons that can even fall into the ocean and keep transmitting data as floating buoys—an approach meant to improve coverage over remote ocean areas. U.S. Visa Rules Affecting Cabo Verde: The U.S. made a visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas for citizens of many African countries, including Cabo Verde. Agroecology for Resilient Farming: A West Africa push for agroecology highlights nature-based farming to rebuild degraded soils and boost climate resilience, with Cabo Verde named among participating countries. WAFCON Update: Cape Verde’s WAFCON run ended after a draw with Cameroon; quarter-finals are set with Nigeria vs Cameroon among the headline matchups.

Cabo Verde Satellite Tech: ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, running until 31 August 2026—aimed at a modern, transparent, technology-neutral environment. Weather-from-Sky to Sea: WindBorne Systems is using long-duration weather balloons to feed AI-driven forecasting, and is testing a “sky-to-sea” approach where balloons become ocean buoys to keep sending data. Climate & Food Systems: West Africa is pushing agroecology to rebuild degraded soils and boost resilience, with a CIRAWA conference in Accra highlighting nature-based farming practices across Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia. Energy Storage Watch: Elestor’s hydrogen–iron flow batteries are explained as a long-duration storage option that separates power and energy scaling—relevant for grid stability planning. WAFCON Update: Cape Verde’s WAFCON run ends after a draw with Cameroon; quarter-finals are set, with Nigeria vs Cameroon among the headline matchups. Cybersecurity Angle: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in African cybercrime, with Cabo Verde among the highest ransomware detection countries.

Satellite Policy in Cabo Verde: ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, running until 31 August 2026, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral setup. Cybersecurity & AI: Interpol reports an AI-driven surge in cybercrime across Africa, with AI behind 55% of reported incidents; Cabo Verde is cited with 16,997 ransomware detections in 2025. Energy Storage Tech: A look at hydrogen–iron flow batteries explains how decoupling power and energy capacity could help long-duration storage, with iron positioned as abundant and potentially seawater-extractable. Weather Tech: WindBorne Systems describes long-duration weather balloons that can even “sky-to-sea” as ocean buoys, feeding data from hard-to-sample regions. Climate & Farming: West Africa’s agroecology push highlights soil restoration and nature-based farming as climate resilience strategy, with Cabo Verde included in EU-backed CIRAWA work. Visa Rules Impacting Mobility: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from many African countries, including Cabo Verde.

Satellite Tech in Cabo Verde: ARME opened a public consultation on a regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral environment; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity & AI: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, enabling faster, more scalable attacks and harder-to-detect fraud and extortion; it also flags record ransomware detections in Cabo Verde (16,997 in 2025). Energy Storage Tech: A look at hydrogen–iron flow batteries explains how decoupling power and energy capacity can support long-duration storage, with iron highlighted for abundance and potential sourcing from seawater. Weather & Data for Remote Oceans: WindBorne Systems describes long-duration weather balloons that can “sky-to-sea” by turning into ocean buoys, aiming to expand global observations for better forecasting. Climate & Soils: Coverage revisits Amílcar Cabral’s agronomy ideas, linking soil restoration to independence and human freedom, as Africa faces widespread cultivated-land degradation.

Satellite Tech in Cabo Verde: ARME has opened a public consultation on a regulatory framework for satellite communication networks and services, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral setup; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, enabling 55% of reported incidents; it also notes record ransomware detections in Cabo Verde (16,997). Energy Storage Tech: Elestor’s hydrogen–iron flow batteries explain how separating power and energy capacity can support long-duration storage, using abundant materials and scalable electrolytes. Weather Data Innovation: WindBorne Systems’ long-duration weather balloons are evolving into “sky-to-sea” ocean buoys, with plans for thousands of buoys collecting data over the ocean. US Visa Policy Impact: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent, requiring up to $20,000 bonds for certain B1/B2 applicants from many African countries, with 24 countries exempt under the final rule.

Satellite Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communication networks and services, running until 31 August 2026. Energy Storage Tech: Elestor’s hydrogen–iron flow batteries are explained, focusing on how flow systems separate power from energy capacity for long-duration storage. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, citing faster, more scalable attacks and highlighting record ransomware detections in Cabo Verde. Climate & Risk: NOAA and Colorado State University both point to a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with major landfall odds “well below-average” tied to a strong El Niño. Agroecology & Soils: A West Africa push for agroecology links climate resilience to soil restoration, with Cabo Verde among the regions involved in EU-backed work. Sports Tech & Governance: FIFA’s AI use at the 2026 World Cup is framed as a preparation tool, while FIFA privatization plans trigger major backlash from UEFA. Local Tech & Livelihoods: Chinese-made electric tricycles are boosting small businesses in Praia, helping deliveries and cutting fuel costs. Film & Talent: Locarno’s Open Doors 2026 spotlights African cinema, including Cabo Verde producer Natasha Craveiro.

Satellite Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, running until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity & AI: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, with Cabo Verde seeing record ransomware detections (16,997 via TrendAI) in 2025. Energy Storage Tech: Elestor’s hydrogen–iron flow battery explains how power and energy capacity can be scaled independently, aiming at long-duration storage needs. Climate & Soils: A new book translation project links Amílcar Cabral’s agronomy ideas to today’s soil restoration push, as up to 80% of Africa’s cultivated land is degraded. Sports Tech & Talent: Cape Verde’s World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha is set to join Chile’s Colo-Colo, while the ANFP has approved him using his nickname on the jersey—after visa and contract delays. Agroecology: A West Africa conference in Accra highlights agroecology as a practical response to climate-driven crop and soil losses.

Satellite Tech Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME has opened a public consultation on a new satellite communications regulatory framework, aiming for a modern, technology-neutral setup; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity: Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment says AI is powering a surge in cybercrime, enabling 55% of reported incidents across Africa, with ransomware and data breaches hitting sectors like healthcare and utilities; Cabo Verde is noted for record ransomware detections. Mobility & Local Business: A new report highlights how Chinese-made electric tricycles are spreading in Praia and beyond, helping small businesses cut fuel costs and deliver goods through narrow streets. Sports Tech & Governance: FIFA’s push to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors sparks backlash, with UEFA threatening a boycott unless the plan is dropped. Football Talent in Focus: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha gets approval to use his nickname on his Chile jersey, though his club arrival remains clouded by travel and contract questions. Film & Creative Industry: Locarno’s Open Doors 2026 spotlights African cinema, including Cabo Verde producer Natasha Craveiro.

Satellite Tech Policy: Cabo Verde has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, running until 31 August 2026. Cybersecurity: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, enabling faster, more scalable attacks; Cabo Verde is flagged for record ransomware detections in 2025. Sports Tech & Talent: Cape Verde’s World Cup breakout goalkeeper Vozinha is fighting to wear his nickname on his jersey in Chile, after league rules blocked nicknames—an unusual clash between identity, branding, and regulation. Mobility & Local Tech: Chinese-made electric cargo tricycles are expanding in Praia and beyond, helping small businesses cut fuel costs and navigate narrow streets. Culture & Media: Locarno’s Open Doors 2026 selects Natasha Craveiro (Cabo Verde) for its producers program, spotlighting African cinema and cross-border training. Climate Risk (Regional): A guide to where tropical systems may form in August highlights the Cape Verde-to-Caribbean development zone.

Satellite Comms Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, aiming for a modern, technology-neutral rulebook; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Electric Mobility for Small Business: A new report from Praia highlights how Chinese-made electric cargo tricycles are helping Cape Verdeans deliver goods with lower operating costs and easier maneuvering in narrow streets. Agroecology for Climate Resilience: West Africa is pushing nature-based farming through agroecology, with an EU-backed CIRAWA conference in Accra drawing policymakers, researchers, and farmers from Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia to scale soil- and climate-smart practices. Sports Tech & Data Use: Coverage of the 2026 World Cup frames it as a major AI test for football analytics, with FIFA AI tools giving teams shared access to match-prep insights—relevant for smaller federations trying to close the gap. Vozinha Jersey Rule Update: Cape Verde’s World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha won approval to use his nickname on his Chile club jersey, though his arrival timing remains uncertain amid visa and contract questions.

Satellite Tech Policy: Cabo Verde’s ARME has opened a public consultation on a new regulatory framework for satellite communications networks and services, aiming for a modern, transparent, technology-neutral setup to guide sector growth; the consultation runs until 31 August 2026. Green Mobility & Livelihoods: A new report highlights how Chinese-made electric tricycles are spreading across Praia and other areas, cutting fuel costs and helping small businesses deliver goods more easily—boosting income for households and workers. Agroecology for Climate Resilience: West Africa is pushing agroecology as climate impacts intensify, with an EU-backed CIRAWA conference in Accra bringing together policymakers, researchers, and farmers from Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia to scale nature-based farming practices. Sports Tech Angle (Cape Verde): Cape Verde’s World Cup goalkeeper Vozinha is seeking permission to use his nickname on his jersey in Chile, after league rules previously required surnames only—an unusual spotlight on identity rules in professional sport.