**Diaspora Organization Calls for Greater Involvement of Cape Verdeans Abroad in National Development**
*Seixal, Portugal – 29 August 2026* – An assembly of Cape Verdean community leaders, association representatives and young residents of Portugal convened on Thursday at the auditorium of the Seixal City Hall to discuss how the diaspora can contribute more directly to the development of the archipelago. The meeting, organized by the Organização da Diáspora Cabo-verdiana (OLIC), was held under the theme “Cabo Verde na Diáspora: repensar o presente, construir o futuro” (Cape Verde in the Diaspora: Rethinking the Present, Building the Future).
In remarks to the press after the session, OLIC spokesperson Gelson Rodrigues said the gathering aimed to collect input from participants and speakers on a range of topics, with the intention of channeling those ideas into concrete actions that could support Cape Verde’s growth, either directly or indirectly. Rodrigues announced that OLIC, which was founded two years ago, will compile the discussion points into a report containing recommendations that will be forwarded to the Cape Verdean government.
One of the central issues raised was the outflow of Cape Verdean youth to Portugal. Rodrigues highlighted that, in recent years, a significant number of young Cape Verdeans have migrated in search of better opportunities. “Young people are emigrating in large numbers because of a lack of opportunities. Successive governments have not created the necessary conditions for them to stay, work, and contribute,” he said.
Rodrigues also noted that the decision to migrate for education or improved prospects is complicated by the current economic and social situation in Portugal, which can pose challenges for newcomers. He called on the Cape Verdean authorities to develop policies that both retain young talent and enable those who choose to leave to do so voluntarily and responsibly, rather than feeling compelled by limited prospects at home.
The event was attended by Seixal Mayor Paulo Silva and three members of the African Independence Party of Cape Verde (PAICV) serving as deputies in the Portuguese parliament: Carla Lima, Elisângela Fernandes and Gilson Cardoso.
The forthcoming OLIC report is expected to outline specific measures for enhancing diaspora engagement, including potential avenues for investment, knowledge transfer and collaborative projects aimed at fostering sustainable development in Cape Verde.
Article and image source: expressodasilhas.cv
