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Public Procurement in Cabo Verde
Public Procurement in Cabo Verde is a central instrument through which the government implements public policies, delivers essential services, and executes infrastructure and development programs. Public purchasing covers goods, works, and services across public administration, transport, energy, water, health, education, and digital government.
For domestic suppliers, government procurement represents a structured and regulated source of demand within the national economy. For international suppliers and consultants, government tenders in Cabo Verde provide access to projects financed through the state budget as well as operations supported by international development partners.
A clear understanding of the institutional framework, procurement law, electronic procurement environment, and practical procedures is essential for bidders seeking compliant and competitive participation.
Country & Economic Overview
| Country | Cabo Verde |
| Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Population | 525,000 (2024) |
| Income Level | Lower-middle-income economy |
| Currency | Cabo Verde Escudo (CVE) |
| GDP | USD 2.77 billion (2024) |
| GNI | USD 2.68 billion (2024) |
| GNI per Capita | USD 5,000 (2024) |
The economic structure of Cabo Verde, characterised by public sector-led investment and external financing, makes public procurement a strategically important market for both local and foreign suppliers.
Public Procurement Governance Framework
Public procurement governance in Cabo Verde is highly structured, combining regulatory oversight with centralised purchasing mechanisms.
| Public Procurement Authority | ARAP |
| Role | Regulation, oversight, guidance, and monitoring of public procurement |
| Central Purchasing Body | UGAC - Unidade de Gestão Centralizada (Ministry of Finance) |
| Scope of Centralised Purchasing | Public Administration |
Contracting authorities conduct procurement within the national system under the supervision and regulatory guidance of ARAP.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
Public procurement law in Cabo Verde is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that regulates the planning, tendering, evaluation, award, and execution of public contracts.
- Procurement law applies to goods, works, and services financed with public funds
- Value for money, competition, transparency, and equal treatment are core legal principles
- The Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) concept is legally recognised
- Bid securities may be required depending on procedure and contract type
- Domestic preference and SME participation are provided for in law
- Specific provisions apply for emergency procurement
- Donor-funded projects may follow agreed partner procurement rules
Procurement Procedures & Thresholds
Procurement procedures are selected based on contract value, risk, and complexity.
| Procedure Type | Typical Use |
| Open tendering | Standard competitive procedure |
| Restricted or negotiated procedures | Used under legally defined conditions |
| Direct award | Permitted below defined thresholds or in exceptional cases |
- Procurement notices are formally advertised
- Bid validity periods are regulated by law
- Standstill periods apply prior to contract signature
- Administrative complaints may be submitted within defined timelines
- Contract award decisions are subject to disclosure requirements
E-Procurement System Overview
The eProcurement system in Cabo Verde is a mature and central component of the national procurement framework.
| System Name | e-COMPRAS |
| System Owner | Government of Cabo Verde |
| Key Functionalities | ePublishing, eTendering, eCatalogues, eEvaluation and Award |
| Tender Document Access | Downloadable online |
| Supported Languages | Portuguese, English |
| Supported Currency | Cabo Verde Escudo |
The system is supported by development partners and is used for a significant share of public procurement processes.
Procurement Market Characteristics
The public procurement market in Cabo Verde is characterised by a strong role of public administration procurement and centralised purchasing.
- Goods: Office supplies, ICT equipment, vehicles, and consumables
- Works: Public buildings, infrastructure, and rehabilitation projects
- Services: Consulting, technical assistance, and professional services
Domestic suppliers play a significant role, while international firms participate mainly in larger or donor-financed projects.
Transparency, Complaints & Oversight
Transparency and accountability are supported through institutional and legal mechanisms.
- ARAP acts as the main complaints review authority
- Formal complaint resolution timelines are defined in law
- Public procurement reports and statistics are published by the regulator
Sustainability & Green Public Procurement
Sustainability is formally integrated into the public procurement framework of Cabo Verde.
- Green public procurement strategies are in place
- Environmental considerations may be mandatory under certain procedures
- Legal provisions allow sustainability criteria in evaluation and award decisions
Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations
Social and ethical considerations are embedded through procurement law and public policy objectives.
- Legal provisions support SME participation
- Domestic sourcing requirements apply in defined cases
- Labour and employment standards apply to public contracts
Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders
Key challenges include administrative compliance requirements, procedural complexity, and the need to operate effectively within the e-COMPRAS system.
Practical bidding insights
- Register early on the e-COMPRAS platform
- Monitor centralised procurement notices issued by UGAC
- Prepare bids strictly in accordance with legal and technical requirements
- Account for standstill and complaint timelines in project planning
Public Procurement in Cabo Verde offers a transparent and well-regulated environment, particularly attractive for suppliers able to operate within an electronic procurement framework and comply with formal procedural standards.
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