“Many say Cape Verde is a beacon for other African countries,” says long-serving Cape Verdean politician Gualberto do Rosario.

“I don’t believe in such comparisons. Undoubtedly, Cape Verde scores better than many other African countries in various indices,” the former prime minister (in 2000 and 2001) and chairman of the current ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) tells DW. "But I think there is still much to do, and we should continue working to advance the country.

Development indices above average

Cape Verde has scored well on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with figures above average compared to African nations. These 17 global goals — including poverty reduction, education, and health — are worldwide targets for 2030.

But according to Do Rosario, comparisons with African mainland countries are only partly meaningful. He points to Cape Verde’s history and geography: “Our islands were uninhabited and were only settled by European and African immigrants starting in the 1460s. That makes our development unique.”

For him, Cape Verde’s long fight against poverty and drought has shaped the islanders’ will to survive and helped them progress even under difficult conditions.