The European Union has recently made a grant of 17 million Euros to Cape Verde. With this the islands of Maio and Sal will benefit, with Maio receiving the larger proportion. The aim of this investment is to improve the infrastructure of the ports on both islands. In addition 2.8m Euros will be used on the island of Maio to build an integrated system to treat solid waste.
This EU grant constitutes the largest investment in the island of Maio from an international source in the last 10 years. It is hoped that this will kick start the sustainable economic development of the island. This follows on from the awarding of UNESCO Biosphere status to Maio.
The investment from the EU is considered to be transformative. Not only will it improve the two ports, but also creating employment opportunities for women and young people.
