Africa Aviation: VINCI Airports Launches a New Investment Programme, Bringing Its Commitment in Cabo Verde to €222 Million
VINCI Airports is accelerating the transformation of Africa’s aviation sector with a major investment programme in Cabo Verde airport infrastructure, confirming the archipelago’s growing role in regional and international air connectivity.
The world’s leading private airport operator has announced the completion of the first phase of modernisation works and the launch of a new development cycle, bringing total investments to €222 million. The initiative aims to support traffic growth, strengthen air connectivity in West Africa, and drive Cabo Verde’s economic and tourism development.
The announcement was made during an official ceremony attended by Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Vice Prime Minister Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia, and Nicolas Notebaert, CEO Concessions of VINCI and President of VINCI Airports.
Record Air Traffic Growth Driven by Enhanced Connectivity
Since VINCI Airports took over Cabo Verde’s airports in 2023, the country’s air connectivity has expanded significantly. Passenger traffic rose by 60% between 2022 and 2025, fuelled by the launch of 35 new air routes, including 15 in 2024 and 20 in 2025.
The arrival of low-cost carriers, supported by VINCI Airports, has made air travel more affordable while stimulating tourism and improving mobility for the Cabo Verdean diaspora. These developments are positioning Cabo Verde as an emerging aviation hub in West Africa.
€80 Million Invested to Modernise Airport Infrastructure
Completed in 2025, Phase 1A of the programme mobilised €80 million to upgrade key airport infrastructure in Cabo Verde, including:
- rehabilitation of runways at Sal and São Nicolau airports;
- modernisation of passenger terminals and public areas;
- reconfiguration of aircraft parking aprons;
- installation of self-service check-in counters;
- deployment of advanced digital and IT solutions to enhance operational performance.
At the same time, VINCI Airports accelerated the environmental transition of the platforms through the installation of solar power plants in Sal, Praia, Boa Vista and São Vicente, LED lighting upgrades, and environmental protection systems—supporting the decarbonisation of airport operations across the network.
Additional €142 Million to Strengthen National Airport Capacity
VINCI Airports and Cabo Verde Airports have now launched Phase 1B, a new €142 million investment plan over three years aimed at expanding capacity across the entire national airport network.
The programme includes:
- terminal extensions;
- development of new commercial areas;
- key operational upgrades, including runway extension at Boa Vista;
- construction of waste and wastewater treatment facilities at all airports.
From Sal to Praia, via Boa Vista, São Vicente, São Filipe, São Nicolau and Maio, each airport will benefit from targeted investments designed to improve passenger experience, enhance infrastructure resilience, and support future traffic growth.
A Sustainable Financing Model Supporting African Aviation
This large-scale programme is underpinned by a robust public–private partnership. Following a €60 million sustainability-linked loan in 2023 for Phase 1A, Phase 1B is backed by a new €120 million ESG-linked facility provided by IFC, DEG and EAAIF, closed in December 2025. Shareholders are also contributing equity to ensure long-term project sustainability.
According to Nicolas Notebaert, President of VINCI Airports:
“These investments make Cabo Verde’s airports a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development. Our ambition is to deliver modern, high-performing and well-connected airports, while placing passenger experience and environmental transition at the heart of our strategy.”
