Gabon Launches Kimba Connect to Boost Open Innovation and Startup Collaboration
The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, aims to connect the needs of companies with solutions developed by Gabonese startups, fostering strategic partnerships, accelerating innovation and improving the competitiveness of the country's private sector.
Gabon has launched Kimba Connect, a new innovation platform designed to strengthen collaboration between established businesses and the country’s startup ecosystem as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.
The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, aims to connect the needs of companies with solutions developed by Gabonese startups, fostering strategic partnerships, accelerating innovation and improving the competitiveness of the country’s private sector. The platform is intended to serve as a hub where businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators can work together to address real-world challenges through locally developed technologies.
The launch ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of the Government, the Minister of Communication and Media, and the President of the Federation of Gabonese Enterprises (FEG), alongside representatives from startups, investors, incubators, institutional partners and other stakeholders from Gabon’s innovation ecosystem.
The event featured panel discussions on key issues shaping the country’s innovation landscape, including open innovation, digital transformation, financing for innovation, collaboration between large corporations and startups, and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Gabonese businesses.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba said innovation creates value only when it addresses concrete needs and builds lasting connections between businesses, startups and local talent. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration across the innovation ecosystem to support Gabon’s economic transformation.
The launch was also marked by the signing of several strategic partnership agreements aimed at advancing innovation-led economic development. According to the ministry, Kimba Connect will serve as a catalyst for value creation, sustainable growth, economic sovereignty and the emergence of nationally competitive technology champions as Gabon continues to expand its digital economy.
