From the beaches of Sal to the volcanic mountains of Santo Antão in the heart of the Atlantic, Cape Verde has established itself as one of the most dynamic tourism showcases in ECOWAS. This small archipelago of fewer than 600,000 inhabitants attracts more than 400,000 visitors in a single quarter, making Cape Verde a true regional tourism powerhouse.
With a surface area of 4,033 square kilometers and a population fewer than 600,000 people, Cabo Verde is a volcanic archipelago that has, in just a few years, become one of the most attractive tourism hubs in West Africa. According to the latest figures, the country recorded more than 400,000 tourist arrivals in the last quarter of 2025 , a historic record for this island nation and ECOWAS member state. In Sal and Boa Vista, hotel resorts continue to open one after another along the Atlantic coastline. For this founding member of the regional organization, tourism accounts for nearly a quarter of the national GDP and remains the country’s main economic driver.
“We think that Cape Verde is a symbol, a success story actually. Our investment in Kapa’ulika has done extremely well. We’re excited that Cape Verde is at the forefront of renewable energy in that regard. We’ve also invested in the Cape Verde Technology Park, which we’re excited to see come to life. And we believe that it’ll make Cape Verde a destination for the digital economy ”
Nana-Efua Spio-Garbrah, Senior Executive, African Development Bank – Ghana
Cabo Verde is relying on a clear strategy: turning tourism into a driver of sustainable growth. The sector contributes nearly 25% of the country’s GDP and generates hundreds of millions of euros in annual revenue. Modernized ports, international airports, European investments, and the development of renewable energy are all part of the plan. The country aims to become a tourism and logistics platform linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas. And the economic results are already visible. After the COVID-19 crisis, Cabo Verde’s economy rebounded with growth exceeding 7% in 2024, driven mainly by the recovery of tourism and services.
“ We have other areas of development that are very important, such as connections or tourism. We’re talking about transportation.”
Ulisses Correia E Silva, Former Prime Minister – Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde’s tourism appeal is not based solely on the beauty of its beaches or the unique architecture of its infrastructure. The archipelago is also leveraging its rich cultural heritage to attract visitors. In Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, the famous carnival draws thousands of people into the streets every year. The event is often compared to the Rio Carnival for its giant floats, colorful parades, and festive atmosphere. Another major attraction is the Baía das Gatas Festival. For more than forty years, this music festival has brought together local and international artists on an open-air beach stage celebrating Cabo Verdean music. The Gamboa Festival, held on Gamboa Beach on Santiago Island in the heart of the capital city Praia, also gathers numerous local and international artists each year.
“We need to have more investment. Tourist groups are invited to invest in Cabo Verde so that we can increase our supply capacity. ”
Ulisses Correia E Silva, Prime Minister – Cabo Verde
Today, Cabo Verde is seeking to transform its geographic isolation into regional economic strength. Between tourism growth, political stability, and climate challenges, the country now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and aims to become one of Africa’s leading Atlantic tourism platforms. The archipelago now hopes to establish itself as the premium face of tourism within ECOWAS.
