Message from the President of the Republic of Cape Verde his Excellency, Mr. Pedro Pires “We are counting on the AfDB to meet the development challenge” Cape Verde is an island country, where communication between the islands and between the people requires transport infrastructure. Hence, the importance of Praia Airport, which is a major facility built with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB). In addition, the airport is located on the largest and most populated island, thus facilitating the movement of many people and resulting in time savings and increased resources. The African Development Bank has indeed played a major role in the economic and social progress achieved by Cape Verde since the country gained independence in 1975. AfDB, as an African bank, has supported the country in its efforts. It placed its trust in us, in the people of Cape Verde and in our country. The Bank’s leaders realise today that they made a sound choice, because Cape Verde is doing well. However, it still needs more resources than ever before and in different sectors. Apart from infrastructure, the energy sector is a problem. This is a vital sector for Cape Verde, because, if the current energy problems are not addressed, the country’s march towards progress will be slowed down. We therefore need to equip our country with adequate energy capacity, and we are counting on the Bank and other partners to achieve this. I hope that the AfDB will strive to create awareness among other donors to help us resolve the energy problems and develop our transport infrastructure (ports and airports) to enable us meet the development challenge. .