Cape Verde Fishery & Agri-Tunnel Sustainable Development Project

Why this project matters

This is where the Integrated Production Hub Model was first developed. Between 2019 and 2022, structuring the full chain, from tuna quota through aquaculture and tunnel farming to processing and export, as one national PPP produced the framework AMPM Futures now applies across Africa. The project has not yet advanced to implementation, and we say so plainly. It stands as the comprehensive reference for our ability to design bankable, integrated production systems for African contexts, and the concept remains available for adaptation and re-activation.

Core objectives

• A high-impact, integrated value chain linking tuna extraction (initial 5,000-tonne quota for Cape Verde operators), aquaculture (prawns & fish, 4,000t), 10ha of climate-resilient agri-tunnels, and a 12,000t fish & vegetable processing and export facility.
• An improved national tuna resource management programme: policy and legislative framework development, stock assessment, quota systems, and alignment with international sustainability protocols (ICCAT, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) to maximise long-term economic benefit and resource protection.
• Food security, reduced import dependency and climate-resilient agriculture through agri-tunnels and renewable energy integration.
• 2,000–2,500 permanent jobs targeted in Phase 1, with skills development, community empowerment and local economic diversification.
• A scalable, bankable PPP model with strong export revenue potential of around US$58m p.a. targeted in Phase 1.

Project focus areas

• Tuna extraction: Cape Verde operators and local quota
• Aqua-farm development: fish and prawn
• Agri-tunnel vegetable farming
• Fish processing facility and export trading
• People development & local livelihoods
• Tuna industry research, sustainable resource management & infrastructure
• Climate resilience: research, policy and adaptation alignment

Phase 2 vision

Three value chains created and integrated across three islands, at a total of US$150m. The island-by-island replication pattern became a core feature of the IPHM.