From 18 to 28 November 2024, 11 technicians from several Cabo Verde public and private institutions participated in a training of trainers (ToT) in High Voltage Vehicle Maintenance, in Lisbon, Portugal. The event stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by GIZ, IEFP (Institute for Employment and Vocational Training) and DNICE (National Directorate for Industry, Commerce and Energy) in November 2022, paving the way for a joint effort regarding skills development in the electric mobility sector in Cabo Verde. The proceedings were actioned and facilitated by the MAF Project in Cabo Verde.
The main objective of the training programme was to equip the trainees with the necessary skills to safely and efficiently maintain and repair electric vehicles operating with high-voltage electrical systems. Subsequently, this training programme worked to create a reliable network of certified professionals capable of conducting inspections, diagnosing faults, and carrying out repairs in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
The trainees were also expected to be part of the network of trainers of CEFPV (Centre for Employment and Vocational Training of Variante), a branch of IEFP, one of the main organisations in the country in charge of vocational training in the automotive sector. Ultimately, the programme has contributed to fostering a more robust electromobility ecosystem in Cabo Verde, where electric vehicles (EVs) can be confidently purchased and maintained in the country.
Training participants came from a variety of organisations, such as CEFPV, Technical Vehicle Inspection of Cabo Verde (ITAC), General Directorate for Road Transport (DGTR), and private car dealerships. Throughout the training, participants engaged in both theoretical and practical lessons, gaining hands-on experience in the maintenance of high-voltage systems, which will ensure that EVs can be safely serviced in Cabo Verde’s workshops.
With the growing number of EVs in Cabo Verde, this training is a crucial step in building the country’s capacity to support electric mobility uptake and in developing a sustainable ecosystem for electric vehicle maintenance in Cabo Verde.
Ângela Lopes da Veiga was one of the participants to the training – and the only woman. She works in the maintenance and repair of conventional vehicles, being a trailblazer in a mostly male-dominated field. A Cabo Verdean woman from the city of Assomada, in the municipality of Santa Catarina, Ângela is a mechanical engineer and has previously worked in the Cabo Verde Armed Forces’ workshops. She has experience in locksmith and electrical fields, and also holds a specialization in building maintenance.
Asked to provide her testimony, Angela shared the following: “The training was extremely informative and exceeded my expectations, even though I had previously received training on electric vehicles nearly five years ago. It deepened my understanding of electric and hybrid vehicles, boosting my confidence in working with these technologies. Additionally, it helped clarify several concepts related to this technology and the future of electric vehicles”.
She currently owns her own workshop, “Mecângela”, dedicated to vehicle maintenance, fault diagnosis, repairs, and parts supply, among other services, employing 5 people.
This training follows previous capacity development initiatives, such as a training of firefighters in February 2024, as well as a training in the installation and maintenance of electric vehicles charging stations, held in June 2024. These are clear examples of Cabo Verde’s commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready transport sector. With the steady rise in EVs, ensuring a well-trained workforce will be critical for the country’s long-term transition to electric mobility.
This initiative has been organised and implemented by the Mitigation Action Facility’s Project in Cabo Verde. The Project benefits from MAF funding and technical support to further the uptake and integration of electric vehicles in Cabo Verde. Read more about the Project on its dedicated page.