The project will improve the quality of electricity service and, consequently, the quality of life for the populations of the six islands covered by the project. It concerns 94% of the total population of the country living on these islands. The islands of Santiago, Santo Antao, and São Vicente, which represent more than 80% of the population, have a poverty rate between 30% and 45%.

The project to develop the electricity transmission and distribution system on the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, Sal, Maio, Santiago, and Fogo was defined following a feasibility study, completed in September 2010, with funding from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).