Strengthening Human-Centred Digital Skills in Cape Verde

A recent academic visit to Cape Verde combined teaching, student engagement, and institutional dialogue in support of human-centred digital transformation. The activities were led by Sónia Sousa and David Lamas, faculty members at Tallinn University’s School of Digital Technologies, whose expertise lies in human–computer interaction, usability, interaction design, and trust in technology.

At Universidade de Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), the focus was on direct engagement with Informatics Master’s students. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions, students explored key concepts from human–computer interaction and human-centred design. Particular emphasis was placed on usability, trust in digital systems, and the importance of understanding users and contexts of use when developing digital solutions with societal impact.

In parallel, meetings were held with representatives from NOSi, the national organisation responsible for advancing the information society and digital government in Cape Verde. As a central actor in the country’s digital transformation, NOSi plays a leading role in developing digital public services and strengthening institutional digital capacity. Discussions explored how academic expertise in usability, interaction design, and trust in technology could align with NOSi’s mission through future collaboration, applied research, and student engagement.

Overall, the visit strengthened existing relationships and opened new opportunities for cooperation between higher education and the public sector. By connecting postgraduate education with national digital priorities, the initiative contributed to building shared understanding and supporting the development of inclusive, human-centred digital solutions in Cape Verde.