AGP Executive Report

Tragedy in Fogo: A bus crash on Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island killed at least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, after the vehicle veered off a mountain road and plunged about 30 metres into a ravine; 14 others were injured, with some in critical condition, and rescue teams worked through the night in difficult terrain while authorities investigate the cause. National mourning: Cabo Verde declared two days of official mourning, with flags at half-mast and public celebrations cancelled, as Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho and President José Maria Neves travelled to Fogo and a crisis response and medical team were deployed. Condolences and solidarity: Angola’s President João Lourenço sent condolences to Cabo Verde, urging support for grieving families, as funerals and burials began on the island. Global child-marriage push: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution—co-sponsored by Cabo Verde—declaring 27 November the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, calling for education and protection for girls.

Tragedy on Fogo Island: A bus crash on Cabo Verde’s island of Fogo killed at least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, after the vehicle plunged about 30 metres into a ravine while returning from an excursion in the Pico do Fogo crater area; the driver was also among the dead and several others were injured, with authorities investigating the cause. National mourning and support: Cabo Verde declared two days of national mourning, with flags at half-mast and public events cancelled; President José Maria Neves and Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho travelled to Fogo, a crisis response team was set up, and medical and psychological support is being mobilized. Regional diplomacy: Nigeria and Cabo Verde held talks to deepen cooperation on direct air links, migration, tourism and transport frameworks, including discussions tied to AfCFTA and technical cooperation. Global spotlight: Cabo Verde was listed among countries supporting a UN resolution establishing 27 November as an International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage.

Tragic Road Accident on Fogo Island: Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island is in mourning after a bus crash on Saturday killed at least 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, with several injured; the bus veered off the road and plunged about 30 metres into a rocky ravine near Cha das Caldeiras and Campanas de Cima, and rescue teams worked through the night in a hard-to-reach valley while authorities investigate the cause. Diplomatic Push for Connectivity: Nigeria and Cabo Verde held talks to deepen cooperation on direct air links, migration, tourism, AfCFTA and transport frameworks, with Nigeria’s foreign minister meeting Cabo Verde’s foreign affairs and defence counterpart in Luanda. Global Policy Watch—Green Card Lottery: The US released DV-2026 Diversity Visa results, with Cabo Verde listed among African countries in the programme; selectees must complete processing by Sept. 30, 2026. Sustainability Agenda: FAO hosted a summit in Rome on small-scale fisheries, highlighting the sector’s role in food security and livelihoods, including participation from Cabo Verde.

Tragic Road Accident: At least 21 people were killed after a bus carrying students crashed off a road on Cabo Verde’s Fogo Island, plunging about 30 meters, according to local civil protection. Child Marriage Push at the UN: The UN General Assembly approved a proposal to mark November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Cabo Verde–Nigeria Cooperation: Nigeria and Cabo Verde discussed boosting direct air links, migration and tourism ties, plus technical cooperation and transport frameworks, alongside AfCFTA. Debt and Ratings Watch: A new Africa sovereign credit review says several countries including Cabo Verde received rating upgrades in the first half of 2026, though much borrowing still went to budget support and debt management. Women’s Empowerment Plans: A women’s summit in Abuja highlighted new investment in leadership and skills, with a next phase planned to include Cabo Verde later this year. Digital ID Gap: The World Bank warns 2.8 billion people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps emerging in ownership and use.

Cabo Verde in Global Climate Diplomacy: Cabo Verde is among the leaders confirmed to attend the pre-COP31 meeting in Tuvalu, with Fiji’s foreign minister listing Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste for leader-level participation, while Germany, Mexico and South Korea will send ministers. Child Marriage Push at the UN: The UN General Assembly adopted an annual observance for the elimination of child, early and forced marriage on 27 November, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Sovereign Debt Watch: A new Africa credit review says Cabo Verde received an upgrade in foreign-currency ratings in the first half of 2026, citing stabilization and reforms, while warning that much borrowing still goes to budgets and debt management. Digital ID Divide: The World Bank flags that 2.8 billion people remain shut out of government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps re-emerging in digital ID ownership and use. Women’s Empowerment Agenda: A women’s summit backed a push for investment in women’s leadership and skills, with Cabo Verde scheduled for a late-November phase of the programme. Visa Rules for Travel: A travel advisory notes Cape Verde offers visa-free tourist stays up to 30 days for South Africans, but requires mandatory EASE pre-registration and an airport security tax payment online.

Visa Ease for Business Travel: Angola and Macau signed a mutual visa exemption deal, letting Angolan citizens and Macau residents enter either territory without a visa for up to 30 days, with entry rules starting 90 days after signing. Child Marriage on the UN Agenda: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution making 27 November the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Cabo Verde among the co-sponsors. Africa’s Debt Pressure: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating review says African states raised over $14bn in global markets in the first half of 2026, but much of it went to budgets, debt payments and liability management rather than productive investment; Cabo Verde is among countries receiving rating upgrades. Digital ID Divide: The World Bank warns 2.8bn people still lack government-recognized digital ID, with new gender gaps and big differences between owning an ID and actually using it. Cabo Verde in Climate Diplomacy: Pre-COP31 attendance lists include Cabo Verde among leaders confirmed for the Tuvalu/Fiji lead-up events ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. EU Links: A Portuguese diplomat, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, took up her post as the EU ambassador to Albania, previously serving as EU ambassador to Cabo Verde. Tourism Rules Update: Cape Verde travel guidance highlights visa-free stays up to 30 days for South Africans, but stresses mandatory EASE pre-registration and an airport security tax.

Tropical Outlook for Cabo Verde Region: The U.S. National Hurricane Center says no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the Atlantic over the next seven days, while former Tropical Storm Edouard continues to bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to parts of Texas. Digital Inclusion Watch: The World Bank warns that 2.8 billion people remain shut out of government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps in digital ID ownership and a big mismatch between rollout and everyday use. Immigration Attitudes Across Africa: A new Afrobarometer profile finds broad social tolerance for differences in ethnicity, religion and politics, but more restrictive views on immigration and refugees. Women’s Leadership Push (Cabo Verde in the plan): A women’s summit in Abuja called for more investment in women’s empowerment and skills for the future of work, with a next phase including Cabo Verde later in November. EU Diplomacy Link to Cabo Verde: Sofia Moreira de Sousa, previously EU ambassador to Cabo Verde, has taken up her post as EU ambassador to Albania. Tech Access for Students: Google expands its free AI offer to students in Cabo Verde and 26 other African countries, adding Gemini tools and cloud storage.

Cabo Verde in the spotlight at climate talks: Fiji says leaders confirmed for the Pre-COP31 meeting in Tuvalu include Cabo Verde alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste, with Germany, Mexico and South Korea sending ministers too—while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese hit back at criticism over the modest turnout and the high cost of the events. Digital inclusion gap: The World Bank warns 2.8 billion people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps re-emerging in digital ID ownership and day-to-day use. Women’s empowerment push (incl. Cabo Verde): A women’s summit in Abuja calls for bigger investment in leadership and skills for the future of work, with the next phase planned for Abuja, Lagos and Cabo Verde. Travel and connectivity: Google expands its free student AI offer to Cabo Verde and 26 other African countries, while Luxair plans major fleet renewal with routes including Cabo Verde. Regional context: A new Afrobarometer report finds broad social tolerance across Africa, but more restrictive attitudes toward immigration.

Women’s Empowerment Push: A women’s summit in Abuja called for bigger, deliberate investment to prepare the next generation of women for leadership and the future of work, with a next phase planned for Abuja, Lagos and Cabo Verde (late November). EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa, previously EU ambassador to Cabo Verde, has officially taken up her post as the EU Ambassador to Albania, succeeding Silvio Gonzato as Albania advances EU talks. Climate Meeting Attendance: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese defended the modest turnout for pre-COP31 events in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying criticism is “disrespectful” to Pacific leaders; Fiji’s foreign minister says leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste have confirmed, with ministers from Germany, Mexico and South Korea. Aviation Links: Luxair says it will invest over €1bn to renew its fleet, including longer routes to destinations such as Cabo Verde and Senegal. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free AI Plus offer to 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving students access to Gemini tools and cloud storage.

EU Diplomacy: Sofia Moreira de Sousa, a Portuguese diplomat and former EU envoy to Cabo Verde, has officially taken up her post as the new EU Ambassador to Albania, presenting credentials to President Bajram Begaj as Albania pushes ahead with EU membership talks. Climate Politics: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the modest turnout for UN pre-COP31 events in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying it’s “disrespectful” to question Pacific leaders; Fiji has confirmed leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste, with ministers from Germany, Mexico and South Korea also expected. Travel & Heat: A new report warns extreme heat is already reshaping African tourism schedules, pushing visits to earlier mornings or later evenings, with Cabo Verde’s coastlines cited among destinations tied to outdoor seasons. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the Atlantic from a system tracked southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, with forecasters expecting it to weaken before any land impact. Aviation Links: Luxair says it will invest over €1bn to renew its fleet, including routes to Cabo Verde and Senegal.

Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese pushed back hard on criticism over turnout for UN pre-COP31 talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the focus is on Pacific leaders and the realities of climate impacts; Fiji’s foreign minister says leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste have confirmed, with Germany, Mexico and South Korea sending ministers. Aviation & Connectivity: Luxair plans to invest over EUR1bn to renew its fleet, with new B737 MAX deliveries aimed at longer routes including to Cabo Verde. Sports & Spotlight: A World Cup recap highlights Cabo Verde’s standout run and goalkeeper Vozinha, as the tournament’s expanded format gave smaller nations a bigger stage. Tropical Weather Watch: In the Atlantic, a system near the Cabo Verde Islands is being monitored for possible development into the next named storm, with forecasters warning it may weaken as conditions turn hostile. Security & Training: Cabo Verde and Angola discussed deepening cooperation, including training for military aviation specialists and pilots to strengthen control of Cabo Verde’s maritime zone.

Climate Diplomacy: Fiji and Tuvalu are stepping up preparations for Pre-COP31 with a trilateral leaders’ push in Palau, aiming to bring global decision-makers to see the Pacific’s climate realities firsthand. Cabo Verde on the Guest List: Fiji’s foreign minister says leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Cabo Verde, Thailand, Maldives and Timor-Leste have confirmed attendance for the Australia-organised UN climate event in October, alongside ministerial-level representation from Germany, Mexico and South Korea. UN and Regional Links: Cabo Verde is also in the spotlight through UN-related regional engagement, including leadership meetings tied to Africa’s peace and security agenda. Maritime Training: West and Central African maritime officials, including Cabo Verde, are taking part in an IMO-backed training in Accra to strengthen seafarer assessment and certification standards. Tech for Students: Google is expanding a free AI offer to students in Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools and cloud storage for a year. Storm Watch (Atlantic): Forecasters are tracking a developing Atlantic system near the Cabo Verde Islands that could become a short-lived tropical depression or storm, with heavy rain possible for parts of the Caribbean.

Atlantic Weather Watch: A new Atlantic disturbance linked to the Cabo Verde area (Invest 96L/AL96) is being monitored for possible development into Tropical Storm Dolly, with forecasters warning conditions may turn hostile and the system could be short-lived, though heavy rain could still hit parts of the Leeward Islands and nearby islands. Tech & Education: Google expanded its free one-year Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving access to Gemini tools and extra cloud storage. Maritime Skills: IMO and the Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training in Accra to strengthen seafarer assessment and certification across West Africa, with Cabo Verde among participating countries. Diplomacy & Security: Cabo Verde and Angola reviewed bilateral ties in Luanda, with Cabo Verde pushing for more cooperation—especially training for military aviation specialists and officers. AU Focus: Angola hosted the 21st AU summit, with leaders including Cabo Verde’s José Maria das Neves, as the bloc discusses stronger African capacity for peace and security.

Maritime Safety Boost: The IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training in Accra to tighten seafarer assessment and certification, using IMO Model Course 3.12 and aiming to close competency gaps ahead of the 2027 IMSAS audit. Tropical Weather Watch: In the Atlantic, a system linked to Invest 96L is developing near the Cabo Verde area; forecasters say it could become a short-lived tropical depression or named storm “Dolly,” but conditions are expected to turn hostile by the weekend. Cabo Verde–Angola Cooperation: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister said the country wants deeper ties with Angola, prioritizing training for military aviation specialists and pilots to better monitor its large maritime zone. Tourism & Travel Rules: A travel guide notes South African visitors can stay in Cabo Verde up to 30 days without a visa, but must complete EASE pre-registration and pay an airport security tax online before departure. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free student AI offer to 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, with access to Gemini tools and cloud storage after verification.

Atlantic Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed far from land, after a system tracked as Invest 96L developed south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands; forecasters say it should weaken before any land impact, but heavy rain could still reach parts of the Leeward Islands and nearby areas. Cabo Verde in the Spotlight: The same Atlantic disturbance is being monitored because it could briefly strengthen, with the next named storm on the 2026 list tied to the Cabo Verde region in early tracking. Regional Security & Diplomacy: In Luanda, Angola and Cabo Verde discussed bilateral ties and cooperation, including a push for new phases in defense and security collaboration. Aviation Training Plan: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister said the country wants to expand cooperation with Angola, prioritizing training for military aviation specialists to better cover its large maritime zone. Tech for Students: Google expanded a free student AI offer to 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, giving eligible students access to Gemini tools and cloud storage.

Atlantic Weather Watch: A new system linked to Invest 96L is organizing south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, with forecasters giving it a 60% chance to become a tropical depression or storm soon; if it strengthens, the next named storm would be “Dolly”—a coincidence with the country singer’s recent death, since storm names are set years in advance. Regional Security & Diplomacy: In Luanda, AU officials and President João Lourenço discussed Africa’s push to handle peace and security with its own capacity ahead of the AU summit. Cabo Verde–Angola Ties: Cabo Verde’s foreign minister said Angola will help prioritize training in military aviation, including pilots and maintenance technicians, to strengthen control of Cabo Verde’s maritime zone. Tech for Students: Google expanded a free one-year AI subscription to students across 27 African countries, including Cabo Verde, via Gemini tools and cloud storage. Maritime Training: West and Central African maritime officials, including from Cabo Verde, trained in Accra to improve seafarer assessment and certification standards.