A delegation of Senegalese economic operators, primarily from the fishing and port sectors, visited Cape Verde on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The visit aimed to explore the country's port and fishing ecosystem, with a focus on identifying potential areas for collaboration and business opportunities. The delegation was led by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Dakar (CCIAD).
The delegation's first stop was Frescomar, a fish canning factory, where they observed the country's fishing industry operations. Later, they met with the administration of Enapor, the Cape Verdean state-owned company responsible for managing the country's ports. Enapor plays a crucial role in Cape Verde's economy, providing a range of services including pilotage, towing, and cargo handling.
Enapor, established on September 1, 1982, is a key player in Cape Verde's maritime sector, managing nine ports across the country's nine inhabited islands. The company's services also include water and energy supply, as well as fuel storage. The delegation received a comprehensive presentation on Enapor's activities and role in the country's economy.
The Senegalese operators expressed a strong desire to strengthen the Dakar-Praia maritime connection, which is essential for developing sustainable trade between the two countries. This aspiration aligns with Enapor's goals, and the company's administrator, Hamir Inicencio, acknowledged the need for improved maritime connectivity.
Mamadou Ngom, director of operations at Ngom and Frères (NGS), expressed interest in establishing partnerships with Enapor, demonstrating the delegation's intent to translate their visit into concrete business opportunities. The visit also included a tour of Cova D'Inglesa, a complex that serves as a hub for industrial and artisanal fishing activities on the island of São Vicente.
Cova D'Inglesa, which dates back to the colonial era, features docking facilities, ice factories, and extensive refrigerated storage, ensuring the preservation of fish for both local consumption and export. The Senegalese operators used this site as a concrete example of the cold chain and valorization of fishing resources.
The visit is part of a broader effort to consolidate cooperation between Senegal and Cape Verde, with the Senegalese delegation seeking to build on the existing partnership between the two countries. The delegation's president, Mme Diaba Diop, emphasized the significance of the meeting for the operators and the potential for future collaboration.
Key points
- The Senegalese delegation visited Enapor and Cova D'Inglesa to explore Cape Verde's port and fishing ecosystem.
- The delegation seeks to strengthen maritime connections between Dakar and Praia.
- The visit aims to identify business opportunities and consolidate cooperation between Senegal and Cape Verde.
