"The The Cape Verdean government intends to attract foreign investment and transform the country into a digital platform in Africa, by 2030, with the digital economy contributing 25% of GDP (compared to 6% in 2022)”, the document reads.
To achieve such a transformation, “it is necessary to face challenges, despite favorable factors, such as high Internet penetration, stable electricity supply, literacy levels and existing digital content”.
“The main challenges include preparing for cybersecurity and creating an ecosystem to deal with sensitive digital content”, recognizes the Government.
A computer attack on Cabo Verde Telecom paralyzed the operator's services three months ago (October 19) and some were only fully recovered after a few days.
The incident “was due to a 'malware' cyber attack of the 'lockbit ransomware' type, known as 'encryption virus'”, said the Agency for Multisectoral Economic Regulation (ARME).
Cape Verde liberalized the telecommunications market in 2007, consisting of two companies, Cabo Verde Telecom and Unitel T+, offering voice, broadband, VoIP and pay TV services.
“The recent merger of companies in the CV Telecom group requires a review of the telecommunications market”, the document notes, indicating that “mobile services dominate, but the average revenue per user has been under pressure, while fixed services have higher rates of reduced penetration”.
According to the data presented, CV Telecom “has a substantial market share, contributing 2,7% to Cape Verde's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Despite positive indicators, the electronic communications sector requires continuous efforts to ensure fair market conditions, coherent competition rules, innovative legal frameworks and regulatory frameworks that support emerging technologies”, the document adds.
The context is outlined to frame the need for the 5G strategy.
“To achieve its digital transformation objectives, the Government plans to develop a National Strategy for the implementation of the 5G network, including an economic feasibility study, in collaboration with telecommunications operators and regulators.”
The objective is to “leverage the technical advantages of 5G, such as: faster speeds, lower latency, greater capacity, greater reliability and expanded coverage, to effectively meet Cape Verde’s digital transformation needs”.
The Government has opened a period until February 9th to receive proposals for consultancy and technical assistance for the preparation of the national strategy for implementing the 5G network
