Praia, Cabo Verde - The Government of Cabo Verde launched its national road map under the Global Accelerator, on 1 April 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to advance inclusive development, setting out a coordinated framework to strengthen employment, social protection and poverty reduction policies.
Cabo Verde has adopted the Global Accelerator national road map through a participatory and nationally owned process, setting out a coherent and strategic framework to advance decent employment and universal social protection. The road map is structured around five interrelated priorities:
- Promoting decent employment and strengthening human capital
- Accelerating formalisation and inclusive entrepreneurship
- Reinforcing productive social protection systems that support livelihoods and resilience
- Expanding inclusive social protection and care services, with particular attention to vulnerable groups
- Fostering the long-term inclusion of young people, especially those in NEET situations
Together, these priorities provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling informality, reducing poverty and inequality, and supporting just transitions towards sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The road map was developed through a broad and inclusive consultative process, bringing together government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, academia and international partners. Cabo Verde chose to lead the development process internally, drawing on contributions from stakeholders operating in the country, thereby reinforcing institutional ownership and ensuring that the road map reflects nationally defined priorities.
The process included consultations, validation and alignment across stakeholders, resulting in the establishment of a shared framework for action across sectors. The road map introduces an integrated approach linking employment and social protection policies, while further reinforcing coordination between institutions responsible for implementation.
The launch event brought together senior government representatives, including Mr Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister, Mr Fernando Elísio Freire, Minister for Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Ms Patricia Portela de Souza, UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from the UN, World Bank, social partners and development partners. The participation of multiple stakeholders reflects the multisectoral nature of the Global Accelerator and the emphasis on coordinated action. Ms Patricia Portela de Souza, UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted the transformative nature of the Global Accelerator, emphasizing that it is "a truly inclusive and multisectoral process that brought together public institutions, the private sector, civil society, academia and international partners with a common goal of leaving no one behind".
During the event, reflections and relevant contributions were shared, highlighting the importance of coordinated and effective action to address social and economic challenges, with a special focus on creating job opportunities and ensuring social protection for all.
Cabo Verde joined the Global Accelerator in early 2024, in close coordination with the United Nations system and with the support of development partners, in particular Portugal, demonstrating its strong commitment to advancing the initiative from the outset. The initiative is supported by the Joint SDG Fund. The road map will guide implementation in the coming years, with a clear focus on strengthening institutional coordination, accelerating policy delivery and expanding access to jobs and social protection.