Visit to UNIDO projects in Cape Verde by MEP Mr. Norbert Neuser

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Mr. Norbert Neuser, member of the European Parliament (MEP), was welcomed to Cape Verde by UNIDO’s coordinator Rui Levy on the 16th of February 2015. The aim was to learn about EU-funded projects in developing countries. Mr. Neuser visited projects on business environment, quality and energy, as well as the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Improving the Business Environment and performance of public institutions

UNIDO supports the Government of Cape Verde in its State Reform regarding the improvement of the Business Environment. The objective of the intervention was to improve the quality and performance of public institutions. In this context, UNIDO elaborated an Action Plan, “Change to Compete” that resulted in the Government requesting UNIDO’s assistance to improve the performance of public institutions and promote Quality and Excellence. In this regard, UNIDO developed a project using the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and implemented a pilot project in two government institutions, established a CAF Resource Centre and trained government staff and consultants.

Improving the National Quality System (IGQPI)

UNIDO supports the Government of Cape Verde in the creation of a National Quality System with the aim of aligning the local products with international standards and norms and increase their overall competitiveness, while protecting consumers. In the framework of the West Africa Quality Programme, UNIDO supported the establishment of the National Quality Management Institute (IGQ) and reinforced the national laboratories with equipment and training. UNIDO has now started the implementation of the 3^rd phase of the West Africa Quality Program (WAQP), financed by the European Union through ECOWAS.

When Mr. Neuser visited the Metrology Lab he was explained its functioning and was shown the equipments that UNIDO provided in the WAQP project.

PromotingEntrepreneurship in Schools (MED)

UNIDO started a pilot project to support the introduction of entrepreneurship in secondary education in 12 schools in Cape Verde. The project started last year and the Agency have supported the elaboration of the syllabus, teachers’ manuals, students’ manuals for the 9^th, 10^th and 12^th years and provided teacher and entrepreneurship partners training in entrepreneurship education.

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[Mr. Neuser at the Ministry of Education and Sports]

Efficient and Renewable Energy (ECREEE)

The Cape Verde Government’s primary objective for the energy sector is the availability of a reliable system of energy supply that is efficient, affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. To boost the technical capacity of the region and Cap Verde, UNIDO has supported the creation of a Regional Centre of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) that deserves the whole West Africa region.  Together with the ECREEE and DG Energy, UNIDO implemented Energy Projects in Cape Verde, particularly “Small and Medium Scale Renewable Energy Systems”.

Mr. Norbert Neuser is a strong advocate for Sustainable Energy and notably, he drafted a report on Sustainable Energy that was presented to the parliament and to the ACP-EU countries.

The tour ended with a visit to a project site with solar public illumination supported by UNIDO in Cidade Velha.

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[Mr. Neuser visiting the project site with solar public illumination]

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As MEP, Mr. Norbert Neuser, visits countries to assess how EU-funded projects are being implemented and their impact on the country’s development.

Mr. Norbert Neuser is member of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) Commission and responsible for the Development Programme. He is also a member of the Development (DEVE) Committee.

UNIDO is the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. For more information on our activities please visit our website

For more information on ECREEE please click on the following link

For more information on the Entrepreneurship Curriculum Programme please click here