In recent years, African countries have accelerated the digitization of government services. The aim is to improve administrative efficiency and data management as well as improve citizens’ lives. 

The government of Cape Verde plans to digitize 60% of essential public services by 2026, according to Carlos Tavares Pina, CEO of the government’s digital agency, Nucleo Operacional da Sociedade de Informacao (NOSi).

According to Pina, the digitization initiative aims to foster transparent governance by improving access to information, securing digital infrastructures, and enhancing digital literacy. The move is part of the Digital Governance Strategy, a component of Cape Verde’s broader Digital Strategy.

The strategy includes modernizing all public services, such as online certificate issuance (birth, marriage, adoption, death, criminal records, company name registration), electronic payment, tax identification number issuance, state debt certificates, and income certificates for children’s study grants.

To achieve these goals, the government is relying on its digital agency, NOSi. The agency is increasing partnerships with global technology companies like Huawei and Microsoft and collaborating with countries with similar projects.

The ultimate goal is to have at least 30% of public administration processes running on AI or ML (machine learning) technologies and to use cloud technologies to enhance platform interoperability.

The digitization of public services in Cape Verde is expected to drive digital transformation, stimulate the country’s business environment, and boost national GDP. These services will also provide a centralized information point for citizens.

Samira Njoya