The Associação Cabo-verdiana para a Macaronésia (ACVM) was officially launched in Praia on 26 July, marking a key step forward in regional Atlantic cooperation. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, who underlined the importance of strengthening ties with the neighbouring archipelagos.
Correia e Silva stated that Macaronesia constitutes a "natural area of integration" for his country, given its geographical proximity, shared history and common challenges with the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. The new entity was created with the aim of strengthening these relations and fostering a continuous dialogue between the islands.
The ACVM will focus on strategic areas such as the blue and green economy, technological innovation, sustainable tourism, energy transition, climate resilience and improving inter-island transport. Its approach seeks to generate synergies to address regional challenges and seize joint opportunities.
With 49 members spread across the Cape Verdean islands, the association will operate as an entity independent of the state, political parties or religious denominations. It will be chaired by Victor Borges, a former minister and leading figure in Cape Verdean politics.
The creation of the ACVM complements the set of similar organisations already existing in the other three archipelagos of Macaronesia. This step strengthens the regional institutional architecture, facilitating more structured and permanent cooperation.
"We must give more visibility to Macaronesia", the Prime Minister insisted. The ACVM, he said, is called to be the social engine that drives this shared vision in the Mid-Atlantic.
Source: macaronesiacanarias.net