Relations between Germany and Cabo Verde are cordial and based on common values. Federal President Steinmeier visited the country in October 2023.

Cabo Verde maintains close relations with the European Union and, due to its geographical location and economic and cultural ties, sees itself as a mediator between Europe and Africa. The EU and Cabo Verde have been connected by a Special Partnership since 2007.

Climate and ocean research is a central pillar of the cooperation between Germany and Cabo Verde. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space supports projects in the areas of marine research, oceanography, as well as climate action and monitoring. In November 2017, the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo – an important research institute – was opened on the island of São Vicente. Cabo Verde is also a partner in the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), which provides a framework for research on climate-related changes in West Africa and solutions for water and land use.

Bilateral development cooperation between Germany and Cabo Verde was ended in 2010 when Cabo Verde graduated to middle-income country status. However, Germany contributes a large share of multilateral assistance, in particular through the European Union and the World Bank. Sector-specific projects also receive support, for example in the areas of e-mobility, as well as coastal and marine management.