Ulisses Correia e Silva

Introduction: Architect of Modern Cape Verde

Ulisses Correia e Silva stands as a central figure in contemporary Cape Verdean politics, serving as the nation's Prime Minister since April 2016. A member of the Movement for Democracy (MpD) party, his leadership has been defined by a focus on economic transformation, digital innovation, and sustainable development for the Atlantic archipelago. Recognized for his technocratic approach, Ulisses Correia e Silva has championed initiatives aimed at positioning Cape Verde as a regional hub for services, tourism, and blue economy. His tenure, spanning multiple electoral victories, underscores his significant role in steering the nation through global challenges while pursuing an ambitious agenda of modernization and inclusive growth within the Executive Cabinet.

Early Life & Education: Foundations of a Leader

Born on June 4, 1962, in the city of Praia on Santiago Island, Ulisses Correia e Silva was shaped by the aspirations of a nation that had just gained independence from Portugal in 1975. His early years coincided with Cape Verde's formative period as a sovereign state, an experience that likely influenced his later commitment to national development.

His academic path was rooted in economics and management, fields that would become the hallmark of his political style. He pursued higher education at the prestigious Lisbon Technical University in Portugal, where he earned a degree in Business Organization and Management. This solid foundation in economic principles provided him with the analytical tools for future policy-making. Returning to Cape Verde, he further cemented his expertise, holding prominent academic and administrative positions. Notably, he served as the President of the Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde, demonstrating early leadership in shaping the country's educational landscape. This blend of academic rigor and practical management experience formed the bedrock upon which his political career was built.

Career & Major Achievements: From Public Servant to Prime Minister

The career of Ulisses Correia e Silva is a testament to a steady climb through public service and political ranks. Before assuming the highest office, he accumulated extensive experience in key governmental roles, particularly in finance and infrastructure.

Rise in Public Administration

His initial foray into national Politics & Government saw him appointed as the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, and Fisheries. He later took on the critical portfolio of Minister of Finance and Planning, a role in which he managed the national budget and fostered macroeconomic stability. These positions during earlier MpD administrations (1990s-2000s) allowed him to develop a deep understanding of Cape Verde's economic levers and developmental challenges.

Tenure as Prime Minister (2016-Present)

Elected as Prime Minister following the MpD's legislative victory in 2016, Ulisses Correia e Silva was re-elected in 2021 and again in 2026, solidifying his and his party's mandate. His governments have been characterized by strategic, sector-focused policies:

• Economic Diversification: Promoting Cape Verde as a platform for international services, finance, and technology, reducing historical dependence on tourism and agriculture.
• Digital Transformation: Launching the "Cabo Verde Digital" initiative to expand internet access, digitalize public services, and foster a tech startup ecosystem.
• Infrastructure Development: Overseeing significant investments in ports, airports, and renewable energy projects to enhance connectivity and sustainability.
• Social Programs: Implementing measures like the Social Income program to combat poverty and inequality, alongside reforms in health and education.
• International Positioning: Actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen partnerships, notably with the European Union, Portugal, and China.

A landmark achievement was Cape Verde's graduation from the United Nations' list of Least Developed Countries (LDC) in 2007, a process he contributed to as a minister and which his premiership has sought to consolidate by aiming for higher-middle-income status. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the vital tourism sector, was focused on crisis management and designing economic recovery packages.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Man Behind the Office

While Ulisses Correia e Silva maintains a relatively private personal life, he is known to be a dedicated family man. He is married and a father, with his family occasionally appearing at national events. His personal interests, though not widely publicized, are understood to align with his professional focus on development and innovation.

His legacy is still being written, but it is increasingly defined by a vision of a modern, digitally-enabled, and economically resilient Cape Verde. He is often viewed as a pragmatic and results-oriented leader, less given to political rhetoric and more focused on project implementation. This technocratic image has been both a strength and a point of critique. If his strategic plans for economic diversification and human capital development bear full fruit, his legacy may be that of the prime minister who successfully navigated Cape Verde's transition into a sustainable and knowledge-based economy, ensuring the nation's prosperity in a competitive global landscape. His impact on the structure and priorities of the Executive Cabinet has been profound, instilling a culture of performance monitoring and strategic planning.

Net Worth & Business Ventures

As is common with many public figures, the precise net worth of Ulisses Correia e Silva is not a matter of public record in detail. His financial profile is primarily linked to his long career in public service, academia, and politics. Before entering full-time politics, his roles as a university administrator and professor constituted his main professional income. As Prime Minister of Cape Verde, his earnings are derived from the official salary and benefits stipulated for the position by the state. There is no widely reported information or credible evidence suggesting significant personal business ventures or private sector wealth accumulation outside of his public roles. His financial focus, as presented publicly, remains tied to his state salary and the execution of his government's policies aimed at national economic development rather than personal business endeavors.

For further information on the government of Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, you can refer to official portals such as the Government of Cape Verde website.