Investing in Cabo Verde in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
48
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Cabo Verde earns an investment score of 48/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are political stability (68/100) and business climate (52/100), with overall GDP of $2.5B and per-capita output of $4,200. Growth is running at 4.8% with 5.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 3.2%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Tourism (sector score 72/100, currently growing), which represents 25% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 85% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Cabo Verde is with the global economy.
How Cabo Verde's investment score has evolved over time
Tourism
25% of GDP, growing
Fisheries
4% of GDP, stable
Services
15% of GDP, growing
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Cabo Verde a safe country to invest in?
Cabo Verde carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 48/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 45/100, political stability 68/100, business climate 52/100, financial strength 38/100, growth potential 42/100.
What is Cabo Verde's sovereign credit rating?
Cabo Verde holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Cabo Verde?
The top investment sectors in Cabo Verde are Tourism, Fisheries, Services. Tourism leads with a sector score of 72/100 and represents 25% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Cabo Verde's GDP growth rate?
Cabo Verde's most recent GDP growth was 4.8%, with total GDP of $2.5B and GDP per capita of $4,200. Inflation is running at 3.2% and the current account balance is -6.0% of GDP.
How does Cabo Verde score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Cabo Verde scores: political stability 0.8, rule of law 0.6, corruption control 0.7, and regulatory quality 0.3.
Can foreigners invest in Cabo Verde?
Most industries in Cabo Verde are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Cabo Verde?
Foreign Direct Investment in Cabo Verde runs at 5.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 85%. These figures show how integrated Cabo Verde is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Cabo Verde?
Cabo Verde's government debt stands at 125% of GDP. This is elevated by international standards and warrants attention from creditors and rating agencies.