Cape Verde’s Top News Highlights from November 2025

November 2025 marked a month of landmark public health triumphs, international sporting engagements, and ongoing preparations for future milestones in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde). The archipelago celebrated global recognition while the national football team tested its mettle in friendlies amid historic World Cup qualification momentum.

Historic Elimination of Measles and Rubella

On November 17, the World Health Organization announced that Cabo Verde, alongside Mauritius and Seychelles, had officially eliminated measles and rubella—becoming the first sub-Saharan African countries to achieve this feat. Verified by the African Regional Verification Commission, the milestone reflected decades of high vaccination coverage, with Cabo Verde fully funding its immunization program since 1998 and maintaining over 90% coverage. No confirmed measles cases have occurred since 1999, and the last rubella cases were in 2010. Health Minister Jorge Figueiredo hailed it as a “truly historic moment” for the region.

Blue Sharks in International Friendlies

The national football team, Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), participated in high-profile friendlies in the UAE. On November 13, they drew 0-0 with Iran (losing 4-5 on penalties), followed by a 1-1 draw with Egypt on November 17 (0-2 on penalties). These matches served as valuable preparation, building on Cape Verde’s earlier historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the nation’s first-ever—while they missed out on AFCON 2025.

Other Notable Developments

• Training began for the fourth-quarter Continuous Multi-Purpose Survey by the National Statistics Institute, involving field agents in Praia and Mindelo.
• Maritime security training emphasized preventing threats, crucial for the island nation’s security.
• Cultural events included segments of the DjârFogo International Film Festival, celebrating Cape Verde’s 50th independence anniversary with screenings and discussions.
• Broader initiatives like debt-to-green finance deals (e.g., solar plant expansion) gained traction, supporting energy diversification.

November highlighted Cape Verde’s resilience and achievements in health and sports, reinforcing its status as a small island nation punching above its weight on the global stage. As the holiday season approaches, excitement builds for World Cup preparations in 2026.