Country: Cabo Verde
Duration: 2021-2022
Themes: Strengthening the Business Enabling Environment, Expanding Access to Competitive Contestable Markets
Cross Cutting Themes: Gender, Climate
Anticipated Impact Areas: Quality Jobs, Private Investment
The Challenge
Cabo Verde’s robust economic growth was riding on the back of its thriving tourism sector prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The international travel restrictions and domestic lockdown measures enforced to contain the spread of the pandemic in early 2020 provoked an unprecedented economic contraction in the country. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Cabo Verde’s tourism sector was further exacerbated by challenges that include gaps within environmental management and protection, lack of diversification of tourism products, and the need to increase the penetration of local goods and services into the supply chain of resorts.
The Mission
A C-JET funded grant has been instrumental in backing Cabo Verde’s recently adopted blue economy strategy by informing authorities on including blue economy policies and tourism sustainability best practices to frameworks. The grant has also supporting investment promotion and diversification of tourism products through research on high potential segments, and the development of an integrated supplier development program to increase backward linkages with existing tourism operators. These activities aim to strengthen Cabo Verde’s policy actions, increase the competitiveness of its tourism sector, and enable economic recovery that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.