🇨🇻 Cabo Verde: From Archipelago to Digital Archway — What TechParkCV Taught Me About the Future of Inclusive Innovation

Last week, I was honored to receive an official invitation from the Government of Cabo Verde to attend and contribute to the historic launch of Parque Tecnológico Arquipélago Digital de Cabo Verde (TechParkCV)— a groundbreaking model of inclusive digital innovation on the African continent.

More than a ceremony, this invitation affirmed the values I hold dear: inclusion, innovation, and Africa-first leadership.

While I’ve participated in global tech initiatives, TechParkCV stands out as a living ecosystem purposefully designed to empower startups, connect continents, and put people at the center of technology.

Over 48 powerful hours across Praia and Mindelo, I witnessed the future of African innovation already taking shape.

A Digital Ecosystem Built Across Two Islands

TechParkCV operates on two purpose-driven campuses:

• Praia (the capital) – Home to the Business Centre, a world-class Data Center, Incubator, Training Centres, and a multifunctional Conference Hall.

• Mindelo (São Vicente Island) – Consolidates similar capabilities under one roof, including a disaster recovery data center, ensuring resilience and digital sovereignty.

These are not just buildings — they are connective tissue linking startups, governments, academia, and youth, all working together to drive sustainable innovation across West Africa.

“Technology is the New Geography of Possibility”

As Élisabeth Moreno , former French Minister for Gender Equality, eloquently stated:

“Just because a country is small doesn’t mean it should think small.”

Despite limited natural resources, Cabo Verde is investing in its greatest asset: its people.

With nearly €45.6 million in AfDB support (equivalent to 2% of GDP), TechParkCV has become:

• A Special Economic Zone with attractive incentives for tech companies

• A multi-campus digital hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas

• A launchpad for youth-centered digital training in AI, cybersecurity, and software development (over 50 programs and counting)

A powerful proof that small nations can drive big change

Leadership Lessons from AfDB & Smart Africa

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, said something that stayed with me:

“To be truly successful, sometimes you must close your eyes to fear and your ears to distraction.”

His call to action was clear: Africa’s youth are not a challenge — they are our greatest resource. Let’s invest in their skills, trust their innovation, and give them the tools to thrive.

Lacina Koné , CEO of Smart Africa, added:

“To leapfrog, we need a runway — Cabo Verde has built one.”

With 98% digital infrastructure access and clear intent, Cabo Verde is creating that runway for all of us.

Reflections as a Woman in Tech

As a woman, engineer, and founder deeply committed to inclusive innovation, I felt seen, supported, and inspired.

Inclusion was not a footnote — it was foundational.

From the presence of women leaders across TechParkCV to a dedicated breastfeeding room in the facility, this was innovation designed with everyone in mind.

I was especially inspired by:

• Kesia Lima , Administrative Director of TechParkCV

• Mayra Silva , Board Member at NOSi & Women in Tech Cabo Verde

• Uyoyo Zino Edosio , Project Lead, TechParkCV & Chief Innovation, Digital Expert at AfDB

These women, alongside dozens of female founders, engineers, and policymakers, are not just participating; they are leading.

What TechParkCV Taught Us

Here are five takeaways I believe should inspire how we build across Africa:

1. Digital equity is foundational — infrastructure + training = transformation.

2. Small nations can drive big change — with vision, strategy, and willpower.

3. Women must be centered in innovation — not as a gesture, but as a strategy.

4. Africa’s youth are our competitive edge — let's nurture them.

5. Community and culture matter — growth must reflect who we are and how we care.

What’s Next?

As co-founder/CEO of SheCode.ai , I’m more committed than ever to:

• Collaborating with TechParkCV to expand AI & STEM training for African women

• Sharing SheCode.ai use cases across Africa

• Scaling across Lusophone Africa and ECOWAS

• Building bridges between regional and global tech ecosystems

• Advocating for people-first innovation models across the continent

A heartfelt thank you to the Government of Cabo Verde for the warm welcome and bold vision.

Special recognition goes to Pedro Lopes Secretary of State for the Digital Economy — a passionate and visionary leader who has carried this project for seven years with dedication and humility. His commitment to empowering youth, fostering digital sovereignty, and connecting Cabo Verde to the world has laid the cornerstone for TechParkCV’s success.

To the incredible leaders, youth, and women I met — and to brilliant collaborators like Abdel Camará Lisiane Lemos Lisa Mae Brunson Solange Torres Wode Maya ® — thank you for transforming vision into momentum.

Africa is building — and we’re just getting started. Let’s keep building together.

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