Cabo Verde is strengthening efforts to integrate its diaspora into national development through structured innovation programmes, according to Charles Uche Emembolu, Chief Executive Officer of Crestsage Limited.
Speaking on the sidelines of Cabo Verde Digital Week 2026 held in Praia, Emembolu highlighted the country’s growing reputation as a model for translating diaspora engagement into tangible economic participation.
The initiative, driven by the Government of Cabo Verde under its RABIDA programme, featured the SIKABADU Onboarding Programme, designed to move diaspora involvement beyond symbolic reconnection toward practical pathways for investment, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
According to Emembolu, the programme brought together 20 diaspora entrepreneurs from Africa, Europe, and North America, facilitating direct engagement with government institutions, local startups, and ecosystem stakeholders. The interactions, he noted, enabled alignment between global expertise and local market opportunities.
He said early outcomes from the programme indicate growing synergy between diaspora founders and local innovators, as well as emerging linkages between talent, enterprise, and investment channels.
Emembolu emphasised that Cabo Verde’s approach reflects a broader strategic shift in viewing the diaspora not as external contributors but as an integral extension of the national economic ecosystem.
The SIKABADU programme was delivered in collaboration with Cabo Verde Digital and joint venture partners including Crestsage Limited, Civitta, mLab Southern Africa, ADYFE Consulting Group, and Fundação Smart City Cabo Verde, with support from the World Bank and other programme funders.
He commended the organisers and government authorities for their leadership in building an innovation-driven ecosystem, noting that while a strong foundation has been established, further work remains to scale impact and sustain engagement.
