Gabon has unveiled Kimba Connect, a new national platform designed to foster collaboration between established businesses and the country’s growing startup ecosystem, marking another step in its digital transformation agenda. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between corporate challenges and locally developed technological solutions, creating opportunities for innovation-led economic growth.
Launched by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, Kimba Connect provides a central hub where companies can present operational and business challenges while startups offer innovative solutions tailored to their needs. The platform seeks to accelerate strategic partnerships, improve private-sector competitiveness, and encourage the adoption of homegrown digital technologies across Gabon.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from Gabon’s innovation ecosystem, including government officials, business leaders, investors, startup founders, incubators, and institutional partners. Discussions focused on critical themes such as open innovation, digital transformation, innovation financing, startup-corporate partnerships, and strategies to strengthen the country’s digital economy.
Speaking during the launch, Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Mark-Alexandre Doumba emphasized that innovation delivers value when it addresses real business challenges and strengthens collaboration between companies, entrepreneurs, and local talent. He noted that stronger partnerships across the innovation ecosystem will be essential to supporting Gabon’s long-term economic transformation.
The event also featured the signing of several strategic partnership agreements intended to accelerate innovation-led development. According to the ministry, Kimba Connect is expected to serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, strengthen Gabon’s technological sovereignty, and support the emergence of nationally competitive technology companies.
The launch builds on Gabon’s broader efforts to develop its digital economy by creating stronger links between industry and innovation, positioning startups as key contributors to solving business challenges and driving the country’s future economic competitiveness.
