Praia, Cape Verde
Cape Verde has signed a major financing agreement with China on October 1 to advance the third phase of its ambitious “Safe City” initiative. The deal, formalized in the capital city of Praia, on October 2 is part of efforts towards strengthening national security.
The agreement highlights the growing partnership between the archipelago nation and China, aimed at modernising public safety infrastructure to address rising urban challenges. It is expected to fund the establishment of new command centres in key cities, including Praia, and the expansion of data centres in Mindelo. The initiative will position Cape Verde as a regional leader in leveraging technology for security.
The “Safe City” project, initially launched to enhance public safety through advanced surveillance and rapid-response systems, is a cornerstone of Cape Verde’s efforts to maintain stability amid rapid urbanisation and tourism growth. The initiative integrates cutting-edge technologies such as CCTV networks, real-time data analytics, and centralised command hubs to improve crime prevention, traffic management, and disaster response.
Phase three, backed by Chinese investment, will expand the network of command centres across the islands, with Praia’s facility set to serve as a national hub for coordinating security operations. In Mindelo, the expansion of data centres will boost the system’s capacity to process and store critical information, which would enable faster and more efficient responses to incidents.
Cape Verde’s government has hailed the agreement as a milestone in its modernisation agenda. The country’s Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, emphasised that the project aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which prioritises sustainable development and citizen safety.
Silva has publicly tied “Safe City” to Vision 2030. in prior statements. The Praia command centre will feature state-of-the-art monitoring systems, while Mindelo’s upgraded data infrastructure will support real-time analytics to aid law enforcement and emergency services.
China’s involvement reflects a broader strategy of deepening ties with African states through infrastructure investments. The financing agreement, details of which remain partially undisclosed, is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen Beijing fund projects across the continent. In Cape Verde, Chinese support has previously contributed to road networks, ports, and renewable energy projects, making this latest collaboration a natural extension of bilateral cooperation.
The deal has sparked some debate locally, with critics raising concerns about data privacy and foreign influence over critical security infrastructure. The government has assured citizens that robust safeguards will protect sensitive information and maintain national sovereignty.
For residents, the “Safe City” expansion promises tangible benefits. Praia, a bustling hub, has faced challenges with petty crime and traffic congestion, while Mindelo’s growing tourism sector requires enhanced safety measures. Local business owners expressed optimism, one local shop owner said “Better security means more visitors and a safer environment for our families.”
As Cape Verde prepares for the hurricane season’s peak, the upgraded systems could also improve disaster preparedness, a critical need for the island nation. The project’s success will depend on effective implementation and public trust. With China’s backing, Cape Verde is poised to set a model for small states leveraging technology for security, but balancing innovation with transparency will be key to sustaining public support.
