Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has held high-level bilateral talks with Cabo Verde’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, H.E. Manuel Augusto Lima Amante de Rosa, aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, transportation, tourism and regional integration.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Luanda, Angola.
Also present at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed.
Sharing details of the engagement, Ojukwu said the discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between both West African countries and exploring new areas of collaboration.
“It was an engaging bilateral session with the Foreign Minister of Cabo Verde, who is also the Country’s Minister of Defence, H.E Manuel Augusto Lima Amante de Rosa on the margins of the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Luanda, Angola,” the minister said.
She noted that Cabo Verde, an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located about 500 kilometres off the West African coast, remains an important regional partner for Nigeria. Portuguese is the country’s official language.
According to Ojukwu, Nigeria and Cabo Verde have continued to enjoy cordial diplomatic, cultural and economic relations, largely driven through their shared membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
She disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians currently reside in Cabo Verde, where many are contributing to key sectors of the economy, particularly digital technology and innovation.
The minister added that both countries have continued to work together on regional policy, security and public health initiatives, while also advancing digital transformation through the Digital Africa Corridor.
“Our nations collaborate closely on regional policy, security, and health initiatives amongst others, and Nigeria and Cabo Verde launched the Digital Africa Corridor to drive technological innovation, startup growth, and cross-border digital trade between both nations,” she stated.
She further revealed that the bilateral talks centred on practical measures to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
“Our bilateral discussions prioritized improving direct air links, migration, tourism partnerships, AfCFTA, technical cooperation and cooperative transport frameworks,” Ojukwu said.
The meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen economic integration and strengthen partnerships in line with regional development objectives across West Africa.