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

Cabo Verde maintains close relations with the European Union and sees itself as a mediator between Europe and Africa because of its geographical location as well as economic and cultural ties.

Climate and ocean research is a central pillar of the cooperation between Germany and Cabo Verde. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture are supporting projects in the areas of marine research, oceanography, protection of West African fishing grounds, climate monitoring and climate protection. In November 2017, an important research institute opened on the island of São Vicente with the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo. Cabo Verde is also a partner of the WASCAL project (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use), which provides a context for investigating climate-related changes in West Africa and finding solutions for water and land use.

Since the Republic of Cabo Verde gained independence, Germany has made available some 100 million euro to the country under financial and technical cooperation. Measured in per capita terms, the country ranked among the top recipients of German assistance. Cabo Verde ceased to be a recipient of bilateral development cooperation assistance in 2010 after it graduated to middle-income country status. However, Germany contributes a large share of multilateral aid, 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.