Freight Transport Industry in Cabo Verde

Freight Transport Industry in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde, an island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean, comprises ten volcanic islands scattered over a large expanse of ocean. Its unique geography plays a defining role in the country’s freight transport industry, making it heavily reliant on maritime and air transport for the movement of goods both domestically and internationally.

Maritime Transport

Maritime transport is the backbone of Cabo Verde’s freight industry. The majority of goods—ranging from imported food and fuel to construction materials—arrive via sea. The country’s main ports include Porto Grande in Mindelo (São Vicente Island), Praia on Santiago Island, and Palmeira on Sal Island. Porto Grande is the largest and busiest, serving as the main hub for both international cargo and inter-island shipments.

Given that Cabo Verde imports about 80% of its food and essential goods, efficient seaport operations are vital for national food and energy security. The government has made efforts to modernize port infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The ENAPOR (Empresa Nacional de Administração dos Portos) is the national port authority, responsible for managing and operating the ports.

Domestic maritime shipping also plays a critical role in connecting the islands. Due to the lack of road or rail links between islands, ships are the only viable method for inter-island cargo movement. However, high operational costs, irregular schedules, and aging vessels often affect reliability and logistics efficiency.

Air Freight

Although limited in volume compared to sea freight, air transport is essential for high-value and time-sensitive goods. Cabo Verde’s key airports—Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal), Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), and Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente)—handle air cargo, with Praia and Sal serving as the primary international gateways. Air freight is typically used for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishable goods.

TACV (Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde), the national airline, and various international carriers offer limited cargo services. However, the relatively high cost of air freight remains a constraint, making it less viable for bulk transport.

Challenges and Opportunities

The freight transport industry in Cabo Verde faces several challenges. These include limited economies of scale, high transportation costs, infrastructure deficits on smaller islands, and bureaucratic hurdles. Weather-related disruptions such as strong winds or rough seas also frequently affect both air and maritime operations.

Despite these obstacles, there are opportunities for growth. Cabo Verde’s strategic location between Europe, West Africa, and the Americas positions it well to become a regional transshipment hub. The government has initiated infrastructure upgrades and encouraged private investment in logistics and port services. Efforts to digitize customs procedures and enhance inter-island connectivity also aim to boost efficiency.

Conclusion

Cabo Verde’s freight transport industry is shaped by its island geography and dependence on imports. While maritime transport dominates, air cargo plays a supplementary role for urgent shipments. Investment in infrastructure, regional integration, and modern logistics systems is key to enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the sector. With strategic planning, Cabo Verde has the potential to transform its freight transport landscape into a more robust and dynamic system.