Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of regular shipping services between Cape Verde (Praia) and Senegal (Dakar) to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and improve passenger mobility between the island state and mainland West Africa.
Objectives
Establish regular and reliable maritime transportation services between Cape Verde and Senegal; reduce transportation costs for goods and passengers; enhance trade opportunities between Cape Verde and mainland West Africa; improve regional integration by connecting an island state to the continental market; develop supporting port infrastructure to ensure efficient operations; create employment opportunities in maritime and logistics sectors; and facilitate tourism development between the two countries.
Strategic Importance
This project represents a critical link for Cape Verde's integration into the regional economy, addressing the isolation challenges faced by this island nation. By establishing direct maritime connections to the mainland, the project will significantly reduce transportation costs and time for both passengers and cargo, enhancing Cape Verde's participation in regional trade and economic activities. The connection supports implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving physical connectivity between an island state and mainland markets.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
The project will utilize modern roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels capable of carrying both passengers and cargo, with supporting port infrastructure designed for efficient loading/unloading operations. Digital booking and cargo management systems will be implemented for streamlined operations.
Capacity & Size
Maritime service with capacity for 500 passengers and 2,000 tons of cargo per vessel, with 2-3 weekly sailings. Port handling capacity upgrades to process 200,000 passengers and 300,000 tons of cargo annually.
Technical Details
RoRo vessels with passenger capacity of 350-500 and cargo capacity of 1,500-2,000 tons; Port infrastructure improvements including dedicated passenger terminals, cargo handling facilities, and improved access; Digital booking and cargo management systems; Safety equipment and systems compliant with international maritime standards
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2023-2024); Detailed design and financing arrangements (2024-2025); Implementation (2025-2028); Operational launch (2029)
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-07-03 — MaritimAfrica: Dakar–Praia maritime link targeted to be operational by end-2026; 2025 workstream focuses on service model, governance and operational prep. [https://maritimafrica.com/en/the-praia-dakar-maritime-link-should-be-operational-by-the-end-of-2026/]
2025-06-26 — Technical validation workshop held in Dakar (25–28 June 2025) advances corridor design packages and operational planning. Link: https://apanews.net/praia-dakar-abidjan-corridor-project-nears-technical-validation/
2025-07-03 — Authorities target late-2026 start of Dakar–Praia maritime leg; communiqué calls for fast-track actions (ports, fleet, ops model). Link: https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/africa-press-releases/the-praia-dakar-maritime-link-should-be-operational-by-the-end-of-2026-cbbcer2m
2025-07-31 — Follow-up meeting in Dakar urges rapid completion and adoption of expert recommendations for the maritime link. Link: https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/07/31/west-africa-relevant-resolutions-aimed-at-speeding-up-completion-of-the-praia-dakar-maritime-link-project/
Financing Structure
The project will utilize a public-private partnership approach with: government contributions from Cape Verde and Senegal for port infrastructure improvements; development finance institution support for vessel acquisition and technical assistance; and private sector investment through operation concessions. Specific financing commitments are being secured from the African Development Bank and the World Bank.
Capital Structure
Public sector financing: 60%; Private sector participation: 40%, primarily for vessel operations and terminal management.
Project Timeline
Start Date
March 2023
Expected Completion
December 2029
Development Timeline
Feasibility studies (2023-2024); Detailed design and financing arrangements (2024-2025); Implementation (2025-2028); Operational launch (2029)
Project Status History
Status 2020
Feasibility
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 3.50M
Construction Timeline
Port infrastructure improvements: 2025-2027; Vessel acquisition and commissioning: 2026-2028
Legal & Financial Advisors
Maritime Transport Consultants Ltd providing technical advisory services; financial advisory services by Deloitte
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Current maritime connections between Cape Verde and Senegal are limited, irregular, and expensive, resulting in significant untapped demand. The route will serve both passenger transport (business, tourism, family connections) and cargo (consumer goods, construction materials, agricultural products).
Market Demand
Annual passenger demand projected at 75,000 by 2030, with cargo volumes of approximately 120,000 tons. The service will benefit approximately 350,000 people in the direct influence areas of Praia and Dakar.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Ministry of Maritime Economy (Cape Verde), Ministry of Infrastructure (Senegal)
Key Parties
Ministry of Maritime Economy (Cape Verde), Port Authority of Dakar (Senegal), ECOWAS Commission, West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA)
Investors
African Development Bank, World Bank, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID)
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through competitive procurement following project structuring and financing
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Key risks include: operational sustainability due to seasonal demand variations; maritime safety and security concerns; technical capacity limitations for maritime operations; and potential competition from air transport. Risk mitigation strategies include flexible scheduling, comprehensive safety management systems, capacity building programs, and service differentiation strategies.
Regulatory Risks
Requires harmonization of maritime regulations, customs procedures, and passenger processing between the two countries. A joint maritime commission is proposed to oversee operations. Key regulatory risks include potential delays in establishing streamlined customs and immigration procedures.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
The project will require Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for port infrastructure developments. Key environmental considerations include marine ecosystem protection, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, and waste management systems for vessels and port operations.
Social Impact
The maritime connection is expected to generate approximately 200 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs. Social benefits include improved mobility between Cape Verde and the mainland, enhanced business opportunities, strengthened cultural exchanges, and reduced isolation for island communities.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in vessel operations, terminal management, logistics services, maintenance services, and tourism-related activities integrated with the maritime service. The operational framework will include specific mechanisms for structured private sector participation.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete comprehensive feasibility studies; finalize vessel specifications and port infrastructure requirements; secure financing commitments; establish bilateral operational framework; initiate procurement processes
Offtake Agreements
Bilateral agreement between Cape Verde and Senegal establishing service level requirements, operational standards, and management framework. For private operators, structured agreements will ensure public service obligations are maintained while allowing commercial viability.
Contact Information
Dr. Paulo Veiga, Minister of Maritime Economy, Cape Verde, Email: ministerio.economia.maritima@gov.cv; Aboubacar Sedikh Beye, Director General, Port of Dakar, Email: info@portdakar.sn
