In Cabo Verde, a digital revolution is quietly taking shape, driven by innovative entrepreneurs determined to shape a prosperous future for their nation. At the forefront of this movement is Djassi Africa, an organization committed to fostering entrepreneurship and digital transformation across the islands and beyond.
With its flagship initiative, the BOOST.CV Program, Djassi Africa is actively empowering startups, bridging gaps between the islands and the diaspora and contributing to the development of Cabo Verde’s burgeoning digital economy.
Expanding Horizons for Cabo Verdean Startups
Djassi Africa recently announced the addition of 28 new startups into the second cohort of the BOOST.CV Program, bringing the total support to 57 Cabo Verdean startups. This expansion underscores the organization’s dedication to nurturing a diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that spans across the country and its diaspora.
The BOOST.CV Program is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that entrepreneurs from all corners of Cabo Verde and its global diaspora are given opportunities to thrive.
The startups supported by BOOST.CV are engaged in a wide array of sectors, including digital services, e-commerce, fintech, edtech, healthtech, and more. These ventures are not only solving real-world problems but also creating innovative products and services that are shaping the future of Cabo Verde’s digital economy.
By providing targeted support, mentorship, and access to networks, Djassi Africa is helping these startups transition from ideas to impactful businesses that can compete locally and internationally.
Building a Bridge Between Cabo Verde and the Diaspora
One of the unique strengths of the BOOST.CV Program is its focus on inclusivity and representation. Recognizing the vital role of the diaspora in Cabo Verde’s development, the program has successfully connected entrepreneurs and mentors from around the world.
A significant 30% of the founders in the program hail from the diaspora, exemplifying how the program is fostering a global network of innovation that links Cabo Verde to the wider world through technology and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, the mentorship component of BOOST.CV is profoundly international. Over half of the mentors, constituting 58%, are from the diaspora, representing 13 countries across four continents.
This diverse mentorship network delivers guidance across seven different languages, providing a rich pool of knowledge, experience, and cultural perspectives that are instrumental in accelerating Cabo Verde’s digital growth. This global knowledge force enables local startups to learn best practices from various markets, adapt innovative solutions, and gain insights into international trends.
Inclusivity and Representation at Its Core
Djassi Africa’s commitment to inclusion is evident not only in its geographic reach but also in its gender representation. The BOOST.CV Program boasts a remarkable 48% female founders across both cohorts, showcasing a conscious effort to promote gender equality in entrepreneurship.
This level of female participation is noteworthy in a region where gender disparities in business leadership often persist. By empowering women entrepreneurs, Djassi Africa is fostering a more diverse and resilient startup ecosystem that benefits from varied perspectives and approaches.
The program’s reach extends across the islands of Cabo Verde, with eight out of nine inhabited islands represented in the cohort. This broad geographic inclusion ensures that no island is left behind in Cabo Verde’s digital journey.
The decentralized approach helps build local capacities, stimulate regional economic activities and promote a sense of ownership among entrepreneurs from different parts of the country.
A Growing Ecosystem of Support and Impact
Djassi Africa’s BOOST.CV Program is projected to support up to 150 startups by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal reflects the organization’s dedication to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem capable of driving economic diversification and innovation.
As the program continues to grow, it is expected to create significant employment opportunities, attract investment, and position Cabo Verde as a notable hub for tech-enabled businesses within Africa and beyond.
The tangible results of the program are already evident. The combination of mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities is helping startups overcome common challenges such as access to capital, market entry, and technical expertise.
By building a supportive environment for startups to flourish, Djassi Africa is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital economy that benefits entrepreneurs, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Catalyst for Cabo Verde’s Digital Future
Djassi Africa’s unwavering commitment to empowering Cabo Verdean entrepreneurs through the BOOST.CV Program exemplifies how targeted support and international collaboration can unlock the true potential of a nation’s startup ecosystem.
By fostering a diverse group of founders and mentors, promoting gender equality, and ensuring nationwide inclusion, the organization is helping to build a resilient digital economy rooted in innovation and local relevance.
As Djassi Africa continues to expand its support and champion the growth of tech-enabled businesses, it is clear that Cabo Verde’s entrepreneurial future is bright. The BOOST.CV Program is more than just a platform for startups.
It is a catalyst for social and economic transformation, forging bridges between islands and continents, and empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs to lead Cabo Verde into a prosperous digital age.
