联合国贸易发展委员会-通过蓝色经济促进佛得角中小企业在非洲内部的可持续出口增长（英）-2025_145页_6mb

Summary of UNCTAD Report: Promoting Sustainable Intra-African Export Growth for Cabo Verde’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises through the Blue Economy

Introduction

This report examines Cabo Verde's potential for expanding exports, particularly inward-oriented to African markets, through its Blue Economy. Cabo Verde, a small island state facing high ecological fragility and structural trade deficits, can promote sustainable economic growth by fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem (BEE) that aligns with ecological boundaries. The analysis is contextualized within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional integration, with a focus on supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Key Findings

Ecological Fragility

• Cabo Verde suffers from ecological overshoot with a biocapacity deficit (ecological footprint exceeds biocapacity).
• Climate change and water scarcity limit economic potential, as seen in declining rainfall and high dependence on imports.
• Ocean resources face threats from overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, undermining the Blue Economy's sustainability.

Trade and Export Profile

• Cabo Verde has a trade deficit and relies heavily on imports, with limited exports to Africa (average 4.3% of goods exports go to Africa).
• Primary exports include tuna and prepared fish; diversification opportunities exist in sustainable fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy, and ICT services.
• Challenges include low export diversification, high tariff barriers, and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

Export Opportunities

• Sustainable expansion in fisheries (artisanal and industrial) and value-added ocean products.
• Potential in renewable energy exports (e.g., green hydrogen) and digital services leveraging Cabo Verde's strategic location.
• Integration into AfCFTA opens markets, but requires reducing trade barriers and improving regional connectivity.

Blue Economy Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (BEE)

The BEE is a strategic framework to support export-oriented SMEs while respecting ecological limits. It comprises eight key components:

1. Financial Capital: Limited access to climate finance constrains SMEs.
2. Human Capital: Good human development but high inequality limits skilled labor.
3. Market Size: Small domestic market and high trade barriers hinder global participation.
4. Ocean Economy: Untapped potential for high-value sectors.
5. Maritime Resources: Adequate resources but dominated by foreign industrial fishing.
6. Business Environment: Moderate governance but poor resilience and vulnerability to shocks.
7. Governance: Strong among African Small Island Developing States (SIDS), but improvement needed in civil society participation.
8. Resilience: Low due to climate vulnerability, affecting long-term economic stability.

Recommendations

1. Develop BEE: Strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems to foster eco-innovation and SMEs.
2. Enhance Trade Integration: Reduce tariffs and invest in transit infrastructure to boost intra-African trade.
3. Promote Sustainable Fishing: Expand artisanal fishing as a sustainable livelihood and export.
4. Increase Access to Finance: Improve climate funding for green business development.
5. Adopt Digital Technologies: Invest in broadband and e-commerce to facilitate digital exports.
6. Build Resilience: Diversify the economy, pursue climate adaptation funds, and enhance social safety nets.

Strategic Importance

Cabo Verde can leverage its unique Blue Economy resources and strategic location to engage with the African continent under AfCFTA. A well-managed BEE will enable sustainable export diversification, contributing to regional economic growth and addressing ecological and social challenges.