There are many reasons why São Vicente is one of the best investment opportunities available at this time.

The government of Cape Verde is investing heavily in developing tourism throughout the country.

The Cape Verde government is actively encouraging investment and development by offering tax, construction and residency incentives. This along a long with a recent IMF report that the Cape Verdian economy "adequately withstood" the global downturn in 2009; shows a government with a safe economic management system and with robust foundations that have led to strong growth rates.

Foreign tourist numbers continue to rise by around 22% per annum, while the government targets an annual benchmark figure of 1 million arrivals by the year 2015. We expect these figures to be surpassed with Fred Olson cruise line making port in Mindelo from 2011.

These factors demonstrate the determination of the government to establish a stable tourism based economy and highlight the progress that has already been made to date.

Excellent Property Prices

São Vicente currently offers some of the best value for money for property available anywhere. Owing to the incentives and the government's warm welcome to international investment, prices are very competitive.

Much of the present investment is based on the fact that land values are expected to rise dramatically in the near future. Prices are now creeping higher as the investment property cycle matures. However, it is still possible to buy before the property market gains momentum.

What does this mean?