Rapid Response Funding: Direct Support for Digital Emergencies in Cape Verde

The Digital emergencies, whether malicious cyberattacks, critical technological infrastructure failures, or internet access disruptions, represent a growing threat to the stability and development of Cape Verde. The rapid evolution of the digital landscape, combined with the increasing reliance on online services for crucial areas such as health, education, public administration, and the economy, underscores the urgent need for effective and well-funded response mechanisms. This rapid response funding project aims precisely to fill this gap, providing immediate and direct financial support to mitigate the impacts of unforeseen digital incidents.

The central purpose of this funding is to strengthen Cape Verde's digital resilience, enabling an immediate and effective response to crises in the digital ecosystem. This, in turn, ensures the continuity of essential services for the population, protects sensitive data, and promotes trust in the online environment. We believe that the ability to react quickly and in a coordinated manner to digital incidents is vital to safeguarding the country's economic and social progress, minimizing significant losses and preventing the spread of technological problems.

This funding will be structured around three main pillars:

1. Immediate Response: The primary focus will be on immediate funding to cover crucial expenses related to containing and resolving digital emergencies. This includes, but is not limited to, the costs of digital forensic investigations, data recovery, hiring specialized consultants, and implementing temporary security measures. The goal is to ensure that affected organizations have the necessary resources to minimize the initial impact of the incident and begin a recovery process.
2. Strengthening Capacity: A portion of the funds will be allocated to investing in training and capacity building for local teams in cybersecurity, incident response, and digital crisis management. This includes training programs for Information Technology (IT) professionals, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders in the Cape Verdean digital ecosystem. The goal is to create a national team that is better prepared and capable of handling future digital emergencies.
3. Promoting Cooperation and Information Sharing: We understand that collaboration and information sharing are crucial for an effective response to digital disasters. This funding will support the creation and/or strengthening of communication and collaboration platforms among different entities, including government, the private sector, civil society, and academia. The goal is to facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence, best practices, and lessons learned to improve the country's overall preparedness.

The selection of beneficiaries will be based on a rigorous evaluation of the proposed responses, which must demonstrate the urgency of the situation, the clarity of the objectives, the feasibility of the action plan, and the transparency in the use of resources. Priority will be given to organizations and institutions that play a crucial role in providing essential services to the population or that hold sensitive data. Aspects such as the social and economic impact of the incident, as well as the organization's capacity to implement an immediate and effective response, will be considered.

We firmly believe that this rapid response funding is a vital investment in Cape Verde's digital future. By strengthening its digital resilience, Cape Verde will be better positioned to protect its progress, stimulate innovation, and seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy. Our team is committed to the efficient and transparent execution of this project, working closely with local stakeholders to ensure its success.

Application link: https://docs.opentech.fund/otf-application-guidebook/our-funds-and-fellowships/rapid-response-fund