Opportunities for Young People and Women in Cape Verde: Driving Growth and Sustainability

A Creating opportunities for young people and women in Africa (COYWA)This project, specifically in Cape Verde, represents a crucial investment for the country's future, simultaneously boosting economic and social development. Cape Verde, with its predominantly young population, faces significant challenges in terms of employment, education, and gender equality. This project aims to address these issues comprehensively and sustainably, promoting economic and social autonomy for the most vulnerable groups in society.

Youth unemployment in Cape Verde remains persistently high, particularly among women. Several barriers contribute to this situation, including lack of access to relevant education and vocational training, scarcity of employment opportunities, and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes that limit career choices. This project aims to overcome these barriers through a multifaceted approach.

A key component of the project will be the provision of vocational training programs tailored to the needs of the local labor market. These programs will be developed in close collaboration with businesses and educational institutions, ensuring that participants acquire the necessary skills to succeed in promising sectors such as tourism, information technology, and the blue economy. The training will include not only technical skills but also transversal skills such as communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship, to empower young people and women to create their own businesses.

In addition to training, the project will provide financial support and business guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. Access to microcredit and individualized mentoring are powerful tools for transforming ideas into viable and sustainable businesses. Regular workshops and seminars will be organized to share knowledge, promote networking, and strengthen collaboration among participants. The inclusion of incubation and acceleration programs for innovative startups will also be a priority, aiming at the development of companies with growth potential and job creation.

Gender equality is a fundamental pillar of this project. Measures will be implemented to ensure the equitable participation of women in all activities, as well as to promote their leadership and empowerment. Awareness campaigns will be conducted to combat gender stereotypes and promote changes in attitudes within Cape Verdean society. The creation of support and mentoring networks for women entrepreneurs will be encouraged, offering a safe space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and establish partnerships.

The project's success will be measured through clear and measurable indicators, including the number of participants trained, the number of jobs created, the increase in income, and the impact on gender equality. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure that the project achieves its objectives and that the results are sustainable in the long term. The involvement of local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector will be essential to ensure the project's sustainability and scalability.

This project represents a unique opportunity to transform the lives of young people and women in Cape Verde, building a more prosperous, just, and sustainable future for all. By investing in their potential, we are investing in the future of the country.

Application Details:

The deadline for submitting the proposal is November 30, 2025.

To access the application form and obtain more information about the eligibility criteria, please visit the following link: https://www.nepad.org/tenders