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About
The Government of Cabo Verde, through a World Bank Fund, is actively developing a strong startup ecosystem.
Through the Digital Cabo Verde Project (DCVP), we are establishing a business-friendly environment by implementing progressive laws, regulations, and policies.
With the support of the Innovation for Policy Foundation (i4Policy), and Miranda & Associados, we are implementing a key component of this initiative, that is the Cabo Verde Startup Act, an important piece of legislation aimed at accelerating the country’s digital economy.
This Act will provide essential support to startups and entrepreneurs, including tax incentives, reduced bureaucracy, improved access to financing, and specific programs for women entrepreneurs, promoting inclusivity and growth.
This piece of legislation will only be effective if it includes the voice and recommendations from the entrepreneurial community. That is why we encourage all Cabo Verdeans to participate in co-creating the future of Cabo Verde.
The Startup Act
Benefits to the CV Startup Ecosystem
- Policy Clarity: Simplified regulatory frameworks for startups.
- Legal & Business Support: Structured processes for business registration and taxation.
- Investment Readiness: Frameworks to attract venture capital and grants.
- Women & Inclusion Support: Tailored policies for female entrepreneurs and marginalized communities.
- Access to Stakeholder Networks: Connection between policymakers, investors, and industry experts.
- Public Awareness & Advocacy: Strong communication strategies to support policy adoption.
Key Programme Features
- Startup Act Development: A structured legislative framework to support startups.
- Policy Hackathons: Collaborative sessions to co-create startup-friendly laws.
- Legal Reform Consultations: Stakeholder meetings to refine legal amendments.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Strategies to assess and refine policies post-implementation.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Communication strategies to inform and engage entrepreneurs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Startups & Entrepreneurs: Engage in consultations and policy discussions.
Investors & Policymakers: Advocate for startup-friendly policies and provide insights.
Legal Experts & Researchers: Contribute to legal drafting and framework refinement.
Women & Underrepresented Groups: Participate in gender-focused initiatives.
Notice Board
Part 2/2 Designing Innovative Entrepreneurship Policies: How Cabo Verde Is Co-Creating a Startup Act
The ADDIS Process
ADDIS is a Decision Thinking approach developed at i4Policy over the last 6 years through our work with governments and communities in more than 80 countries.
It is a mnemonic device for the main phases of a decision thinking process: Agenda Setting, Drafting, Decision-Making, Implementation, Sense-making. The five phases can be broken down further into 12 steps.
How does this relate to the Cabo Verde Startup Act Process?
Agenda Phase (March - April 2025)
This is the foundational stage, focused on establishing the project’s structure, assembling key teams, legal and economic analyses, forming a Technical Working Group and initiating the planning process.
Drafting Phase (May - July 2025)
This phase involves extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of the Startup Act’s legal framework, incorporating diverse perspectives and expert input. This will be done through engagement events in several places in Cabo Verde and an online consultation at later stages.
Decision-making Phase (July-September 2025)
This critical stage centers on finalizing the legal text, securing governmental approvals, and preparing for the Act’s official publication.
Implementation (September 2025 - […])
This phase focuses on translating the legal framework into practical action, developing operational guidelines, and ensuring the Act’s effective execution.
Sense-making (March 2025 - Indefinite)
This ongoing process involves monitoring and evaluating the Act’s impact, documenting the entire development journey, and extracting valuable lessons for future initiatives.