Paper short abstract:

This paper is based on interviews in 2021 with trade union officials in Cabo Verde about their use of ICTs. Using distributive discourse as a framework, the findings show that ICTs are not being utilised systematically to enhance the effectiveness of trade union work or to democratise procedures.

Paper long abstract:

Cabo Verde receives praise as an African 'success story', on account of its economic policies, which attract FDI and its multi-party liberal democratic political system. Narratives focusing on the development path of the country rarely include an analysis of the work of trade unions. This paper is based on primary research conducted in 2021, which addresses that deficit, drawing on interviews with union officials and the Inspector General of Labour. The focus of the research is the use of ICTs by trade unions. While various forms of ICTs have become accessible to trade unions in recent years, there is little information on which of them are utilised and with what effect. Distributive discourse is used as a conceptual framework to provide insights into ways in which the ability of trade unionists in Cabo Verde to participate in debates and actions is affected by the prevalence and control of digital technologies. The findings show that weak channels of communication are problems for unions in Cabo Verde, which hinder their ability to defend the rights of members effectively. The enhanced use of ICTs - particularly Facebook, Zoom and Viber - in recent years has led to a more democratically distributed discourse within the trade union movement in some settings. However, ICTs are not being utilised systematically to enhance the effectiveness of the work of unions or to democratise procedures. In the light of the research findings a number of policy implications are outlined.