As part of his recent assumption of office and in light of the inclusion of the digital transition portfolio under his purview, the Minister of Economy, Trade, Industry, and Digital Transition, António Baptista, paid a working visit to the Special Projects Management Unit (UGPE).

The main purpose of the visit was to assess the status of implementation of the Cabo Verde Digital Project, funded by the World Bank, as well as to learn about the main activities currently underway and the priorities set for the current phase of implementation.

The program began with a tour of the UGPE’s facilities, during which the Minister had the opportunity to meet the staff and learn about the institution’s operations. This was followed by a working session with the UGPE team, consisting of Coordinator Nuno Gomes, Financial Director José Andrade, and Cape Verde Digital Project Manager Guevara Cruz.

During the meeting, an overview of the Cabo Verde Digital Project was presented, highlighting its implementation structure, the coordination model with the World Bank, the status of ongoing activities, institutional coordination mechanisms, and the relationship with beneficiary entities.

The presentation also provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s strategic objectives, funding sources, overall work plan, key performance indicators, and results already achieved. It also highlighted ongoing investments in modernizing digital public services, enhancing interoperability, consolidating the Single Portal, supporting the Digital Service Team, and promoting digital inclusion for citizens, both in Cape Verde and among the diaspora.

The initiatives currently being implemented aim to contribute to a more efficient, accessible, and citizen-centered public administration, strengthening the foundations of digital transformation and creating favorable conditions for the development of the digital economy in Cape Verde.

This first official visit by Minister António Baptista to the UGPE was an important opportunity for knowledge sharing, strategic alignment, and monitoring the execution of one of the country’s key digital agenda projects, reaffirming the joint commitment to effective, coordinated, and results-oriented implementation.