Cabo Verde has been establishing itself as a country committed to sustainable development and climate action. The nation, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reach 50% renewable energy penetration by 2030 [1], acknowledges that transportation represents one of the greatest challenges to decarbonization.
Road transport continues to have a significant impact on external energy dependence, with approximately 30% [2] of the country’s total imported fossil fuel consumption attributed to this sector—making Cabo Verde vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices.
In a context where road transport is responsible for 18.51% [3] of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, electric mobility emerges as a strategic solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more efficient and resilient transportation system.
But why invest in electric mobility?
Electric mobility refers to the use of vehicles powered by electricity instead of internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel). They are generally quiet, produce no polluting emissions—contributing to improved air quality and reduced noise pollution—and when charged using renewable energy, they can help increase energy security, reduce fuel-related costs, and lower emissions [4]. Electric motors are more efficient than combustion engines: while electric vehicles use about 76% of stored energy to power their wheels, a gasoline-powered car only utilizes around 16% [5].
The country has set ambitious targets in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), including a goal of having at least 25% of the national vehicle fleet made up of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 [1]. To achieve this, the Government of Cabo Verde, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy (MICE), has been implementing measures to enable this transition in partnership with national and international stakeholders, developing concrete actions to establish the technical, institutional, and financial conditions.
To promote electric mobility and the progressive electrification of public and private fleets, the Electric Mobility Policy Charter (CPME) was approved in 2019.
The CPME serves as a platform for dialogue with internal and external partners, with the main goal of achieving the objectives outlined in the National Energy Sustainability Plan of Cabo Verde.
The Electric Mobility Promotion Project (ProMEC) is a prime example of intention translated into concrete action. It is implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with MICE, and financed by the Mitigation Action Facility (MAF). This project supports the creation of technical conditions, development of policy frameworks, professional training in the sector, market incentives, and the expansion of infrastructure to foster sustainable growth in the electric transport sector.
Launched in 2020, the project is expected to run through the end of 2025, focusing on several components:
- Incentive program for electric mobility
- Installation of a charging infrastructure with at least 40 chargers distributed across all islands
- Development of a legal and regulatory framework for EVs, charging stations, and charging station operators
- Capacity building for professionals in the sector
- Monitoring and reporting of road transport-related GHG emissions
- Public awareness campaigns, among others
To overcome the financial barriers associated with EV adoption, particularly the high upfront costs, ProMEC supported MICE in implementing an incentive program for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. This initiative provides financial support to individuals, companies, and public institutions, covering a significant portion of the additional cost of EVs (Incentivos_VE | Portalenergiacv).
The gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet presents a concrete opportunity to reduce GHG emissions. By December 2024, based on active vehicles, at least 517 tCO₂e emissions had been avoided, and approximately 220,000 liters of gasoline had not been consumed. In 2024, electric vehicles accounted for about 8% of all new light vehicle registrations in the archipelago.
A recent milestone was the completion of the public EV charging network, with 40 stations installed across all inhabited islands of Cabo Verde, under a concession agreement promoted by the Government, through MICE, with technical support from GIZ and financing from MAF. Additional public charging points have also been installed outside the concession framework.
In addition to public chargers, there are also private charging stations for use by public institutions and individuals.
This achievement positions Cabo Verde as a regional leader in electric mobility, with an approximate ratio of 1 public charging point for every 5 EVs.
It is also important to highlight the capacity-building efforts targeting professionals in Cabo Verde’s land transport sector, including mechanics, focusing on the installation, inspection, and maintenance of EV charging stations and electric vehicles. Public awareness campaigns and promotional activities (e.g., the Electric Mobility advertisement and test drives in English) have also been crucial to ensuring the sustainability of this initiative and the entire ecosystem that supports electric mobility.
Despite significant progress, consolidating electric mobility in Cabo Verde still faces key challenges that require a structured and ongoing approach.
Globally, EV prices have been falling in recent years, especially in more mature markets like China, Europe, and the United States, driven by economies of scale, increasing competition, technological innovation (particularly in battery cost reduction), and favorable public policies.
Cabo Verde, as an island nation that imports most of what it consumes, faces specific challenges such as high logistics costs and a limited market offer, where the initial investment can be a barrier for consumers—despite the significant savings EVs offer compared to internal combustion vehicles. Data indicates that, on average, operational cost savings can reach up to 40%. Innovative financing mechanisms and strengthened financial literacy can help facilitate EV acquisition.
In addition to these challenges, misinformation about the benefits and functionality of EVs continues to pose barriers, leading to resistance and uncertainty among the population. Communication and awareness-raising efforts must continue, emphasizing the vital link between electric mobility and the country’s energy transition.
Furthermore, it is important to continue promoting electric mobility as a source of employment within the cleantech sector. This includes expanding the training of mechanics nationwide in partnership with vocational training centers, as well as training for EV charging station installation and maintenance. Encouraging national startups to develop smart products for EV users—both individuals and institutions—will also help build a strong, capable internal market and increase public trust in the technology.
The results are promising, and the progress made so far allows us to state that electric mobility in Cabo Verde is not just the future—it is the present. Changing the way we move also changes our lives and the life of the planet. And the future can be cleaner, more economical, and within everyone’s reach.
References
[1] “Cabo Verde – 2020 Update of the First Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” Praia, 2021.
[2] “portalenergia,” [Online]. Available: https://www.portalenergia.cv/mobilidadeelectrica
[3] “Cabo Verde’s First Biennial Update Report,” 2023.
[4] “Australian Energy Council,” January 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.energycouncil.com.au/analysis/evs-are-they-really-more-efficient/
[5] “Government of Canada,” December 12, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-energy-efficiency/personal-vehicles/buying-electric-vehicle