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Coworking Spaces in Cape Verde

Around the turn of the 21st century, something amazing happened.

The combination of increased internet infrastructure around the world and the rapid advancement of computer technology led to the birth of a brand new possibility. Remote work.

In 1999, Apple brought out the first iBook (the forefather of the beloved Macbook), one of many many increasingly powerful laptops to be developed. Increased battery life and computing power made it easier than ever for freelancers and startups to take their work outside of the office.

But with all of this power in their hands, the predecessors of digital nomads needed somewhere to work. Introducing coworking spaces.

A couple of decades on and coworking spaces have become popular across the globe, providing a space for remote workers and digital nomads to work while also engaging with the community.

Today, we’ll be taking a dive into what coworking spaces are, as well as mentioning what’s on offer here in our favourite digital nomad destination, Cape Verde.

Index

notebook, typing, coffee

What is a coworking space?

Coworking spaces come in many wonderful shapes and sizes. From cosy converted coffee shops to large-scale office buildings, there’s one thing they all have in common:

A coworking space is somewhere remote workers can go to do their work, meet like-minded people, and enjoy their location independence to the fullest.

Look at your closest city, and it’s likely you’ll find a coworking space. For digital nomads, this means international choice – the ability to swap the office space for a coworking space in their chosen destination. Even some of the most remote areas of the world now have coworking spaces, see what you can find!

People smiling as they work and enjoy a coworking space

Benefits of coworking spaces

We’ve briefly touched upon some of the benefits that coworking spaces offer, however it’s time to really see what these spaces have to offer digital nomads and remote workers.

1) Find your community

For beginner digital nomads and even experienced ones, travelling to a new destination can be a daunting prospect (especially if you’re travelling on your own!).

A coworking space can be much more than just another office, but a place to meet people just like yourself who are embracing a remote working lifestyle.

From community meetups to fundraisers to icebreakers and more, many coworking spaces throw events to bring remote workers together, helping you network and even make new friends.

#Tip: The next time you visit a coworking space, check out the community board for the latest events and meetups. It’s also worth checking social media accounts as they may post on there too!

2) Work, work. work

Sadly, all cocktail-sipping sessions on the beach must come to an end. At the end of the day, we’ve got to fund our travels, and that’s by getting our work done (sigh!).

Great wifi is an integral part of any coworking space, you can be certain when you visit you’ll have a stable and reliable internet connection. This is perfect for video meetings and file uploads.

What’s more, for all of our fellow procrastinators out there, these spaces offer a place to really focus and get your head down.

3) Facilities

This does depend on which coworking space you visit, however many will have private meeting rooms, quiet zones, and presentation equipment for you to utilise.

If you’re a startup looking for a base to hold a meeting or are a remote worker looking for somewhere quiet to work, you’ll be pleased to know that many coworking spaces can accommodate your request.

Sharpen your speech for the next big presentation or get in the zone for some deep work – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s possible in a coworking space.

#Tip: Are you a digital nomad who can’t get enough of the sun? See our article on the best summertime destinations for nomads on a budget for some inspiration!

sea, water, beach

Coworking Cape Verde

Our favourite summertime destination for digital nomads is the wonderful Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde. While coworking spaces on the beautiful archipelago are currently few in number, we’ve explored the possibilities currently available – take a look below:

Sal

A view from the front of Ocean Cafe restaurant

Ocean Cafe, Santa Maria

Based in heart of the beautiful and popular town of Santa Maria, Ocean Café is a spacious restaurant and bar that also offers coworking facilities during the day.

Offering:
  • Coworking available from 9am – 5pm. (€10 per session). According to their Facebook page “This amount can be fully refunded by spending the same amount (with a voucher) on any consumption made within our structures (bar – restaurant – store – booking suites – airport bar).”
  • Private suites/Meeting rooms/Virtual offices available
  • Fibre optic Wifi
  • 20% discount on lunch or takeaway
  • Printer available

When you get hungry, you are steps away from getting a discount on the tasty food offering available. Washing that down with a cold drink, you’ll be free to enjoy the entertainment come the evening.

Website: https://www.oceancaboverde.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceancafecaboverde/

Santiago

Prime coworking, office space.

(Img credit: Prime Coworking)

Prime Coworking, Praia

“CoWork. Collaborate. Connect. Create” is the motto for Prime Coworking, based in the capital of Cape Verde, Praia. Prime Coworking in Praia is the biggest coworking space available in the city, and they also have a branch in Mindelo on São Vicente.

Offering:
  • Price packages start at €15 per session (08:00 – 17:00 Mon-Fri)
  • A number of special offers available
  • Business incubation center available
  • Calm office in a vibrant neighbourhood

If you’re working from Praia, Prime Coworking is a good option to consider, however we have noticed that some of the facilities are in need of a little TLC. We would also like to see a wider variety of spaces and facilities available.

Website: https://coworking.prime.cv/

Prime coworking, a laptop on a desk.

(Image credit: Soluz, Praia)

SoLuz, Praia

Another option available to you in Praia is SoLuz, a Cape Verdean-run space designed for remote workers. If you’re looking for a cosy coworking space with Cape Verdean vibes, SoLuz is an option to consider.

Offering:
  • Cape Verdean ambiance
  • Meeting rooms and training rooms available
  • Prices fluctuate here – see the Facebook page for more information
  • Internet available

We’d like to see SoLuz provide information on their services in English for an international audience. However, if you want to check out all of the coworking options available in Praia, SoLuz will be on your list.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoLuz-363221114431756

São Vicente

The Don Paco Hotel, office space

(Img credit: The Don Paco Hotel)

The Don Paco Hotel, Mindelo

The Don Paco coworking space is based in Mindelo, a city often quoted as the cultural capital of the islands. Located in the same building as the hotel, the coworking space can be a springboard into exploring the fantastic island of São Vicente.

Offering:
  • High-speed and high-quality internet
  • Promotes networking
  • Prices for non-hotel guests begin at 1,500 ECV (approximately 15 euros) for a day pass.
  • Individual and shared working desks
  • Printing services

Website: https://www.thedonpacohotel.com/stage/co-working/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoWorkingDPH/

A coworking room available for use at the Maio Business Center

Maio

Maio Business Center

For those looking to travel further afield during their stay in Cape Verde, the island of Maio will certainly be on your list. You may wonder just how strong the internet connection is here, which is where the Maio Business Center comes in to assist you.

Situated in Porto Inglês, a quiet and welcoming environment is available to digital nomads wishing to make a stop in Maio and get some work done. Some of the facilities available include water stations, a microwave, as well as every nomad’s favourite – the coffee machine. Prices for working here begin at 2,750 escudos per week (approximately 27 euros).

Offering:
  • Dedicated WiFi
  • Meeting and video conference room
  • Multiple areas for digital nomads to work
  • Tools and programs available for entrepreneurs

Website: https://www.maiobusinesscenter.com/coworking/

Summary

With the introduction of the remote working visa in Cape Verde, the stage is set for sun-seeking digital nomads to explore the wonderful islands. At the same time, the current options for coworking spaces are sparse, with only a few established so far.

We’d like to see more coworking spaces embrace a mixture of Cabo Verdean culture and European-friendly services, all while promoting local events and meetups. Cape Verde truly has fantastic potential as one of the top destinations for digital nomads in the world – we can’t wait to see the potential for coworking spaces here.

FAQs (Perguntas e Respostas)

  • What do digital nomads do?

    Digital nomads are defined by their passion for travel and their wish to combine this with remote work. From freelance graphic designers to copywriters, there’s a wide variety of jobs on the market for digital nomads.

    You’ll often spot a digital nomad typing away in a coffee shop or at the beach – there’s no limit to the possibilities.

  • What is a digital nomad community?

    We all need community and to speak with like-minded people. A digital nomad community forms when nomads come together to share ideas and skills. Coworking spaces are a fantastic place for this, serving as a hub for nomads to get to know each other and host events.

  • How can I join a coworking space?

    Many coworking spaces have social media pages or websites, it’s worth a look at these in advance to gain an understanding of prices and what facilities are there. Another option is to turn up in person, you’ll gain first-hand experience of the community and vibe of the space.

  • Why should remote workers join a coworking space?

    From positive mental health benefits that come from engaging with a community to greater networking potential, there are a host of reasons why joining a coworking space is a good idea.
    Here’s a non-exhaustive list of reasons why you should join a coworking space:

    Join a community
    Try something new (events/fundraisers/meetups)
    Facilities
    Make friends
    Exchange skills/network
    Engage with local people

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