In the first quarter, external aid to Cabo Verde showed a growth of 10.5%. The main recipient of funds was the Central Government, which received 1.908 million escudos (equivalent to 17.3 million euros), accounting for 98% of the total volume.
Aid Distribution by Sector
Municipal councils received 37.8 million escudos, slightly exceeding 340 thousand euros. An analysis of funding sources showed a significant 45% increase in the participation of partner governments, while the contribution of supranational organizations decreased by a quarter compared to the same period last year.
Aid from NGOs and Types of Donations
Non-governmental organizations recorded no expenditures in the first quarter of 2026, after having provided 75.9 million escudos (about 700 thousand euros) during the same period in 2025.
Regarding types of aid, foreign currency donations decreased by 8.9%, but they still constitute the largest share, approximately two-thirds. The remaining aid is composed of in-kind donations, which more than doubled due to equipment supplies.
Political Context and Classification
The previous government of Cabo Verde (after the election of a new executive body in May) insisted that the country should begin living without donations as it develops. Meanwhile, donors point to the need to reduce aid volumes due to other international needs. It is worth noting that in 2025, the World Bank reclassified Cabo Verde as a lower-middle-income country approaching high income.