How does innovation work in Gabon?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 9:16 am
Gabon has recently realized that it cannot rely solely on oil for development and is trying to diversify its economy. If we start talking about innovation, there is still no political program to support it, and it is organizations like Akewa that must promote and support entrepreneurship. But the situation is complicated; many incubators are closing due to lack of financial resources.
I think the government hasn't yet grasped the challenges of innovation. They set up the Gabon Digital Incubation Company (SING) to help businesses with their croatia mobile database transformation, but it's not enough. Innovation is a complex sector where it's also about connecting people, reaching out to young school dropouts, and showing them what they can contribute. Then, they need to be supported, taught how to manage a business on a daily basis with tax realities, shown how to create sales development policies, use digital technology, and develop their network. And here again, it's the incubators that play this role. Therefore, I think it's necessary to strengthen policies on this subject.
How do startups find funding?
This is a very complex issue for young entrepreneurs. Today, there are approximately 6,000 young project leaders in Gabon, but they are blocked by a lack of financing. They often have ambitious projects but are unable to obtain assistance from banks because they lack guarantees, land titles, etc. For its part, the government doesn't provide sufficient support. New financial mechanisms must therefore be sought. With Akewa, we connect them with business angels and present them with crowdfunding, solidarity financing, and self-financing solutions. We also encourage them to join forces when several people have similar ideas, as they will be more easily helped if there are five or six of them behind a project. It's a real boon when organizations agree to finance projects.
In the face of climate challenges, do you think African innovation has a role to play on a global scale?
In reality, I think that innovation will only come from African youth. Africa is the youngest continent, and at the same time, a large proportion of its inhabitants are unemployed. Yet every year, new young people enter the job market. Faced with this situation, their only solution will be to create their own jobs, and find new ways to innovate, to distinguish themselves. Since our creation in 2013, our database has been filled with magnificent projects that simply require funding to be realized. I also advise you to look at all the technological solutions developed in Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. I am convinced that our young people have a card to play; we just need to give them the means.
I think the government hasn't yet grasped the challenges of innovation. They set up the Gabon Digital Incubation Company (SING) to help businesses with their croatia mobile database transformation, but it's not enough. Innovation is a complex sector where it's also about connecting people, reaching out to young school dropouts, and showing them what they can contribute. Then, they need to be supported, taught how to manage a business on a daily basis with tax realities, shown how to create sales development policies, use digital technology, and develop their network. And here again, it's the incubators that play this role. Therefore, I think it's necessary to strengthen policies on this subject.
How do startups find funding?
This is a very complex issue for young entrepreneurs. Today, there are approximately 6,000 young project leaders in Gabon, but they are blocked by a lack of financing. They often have ambitious projects but are unable to obtain assistance from banks because they lack guarantees, land titles, etc. For its part, the government doesn't provide sufficient support. New financial mechanisms must therefore be sought. With Akewa, we connect them with business angels and present them with crowdfunding, solidarity financing, and self-financing solutions. We also encourage them to join forces when several people have similar ideas, as they will be more easily helped if there are five or six of them behind a project. It's a real boon when organizations agree to finance projects.
In the face of climate challenges, do you think African innovation has a role to play on a global scale?
In reality, I think that innovation will only come from African youth. Africa is the youngest continent, and at the same time, a large proportion of its inhabitants are unemployed. Yet every year, new young people enter the job market. Faced with this situation, their only solution will be to create their own jobs, and find new ways to innovate, to distinguish themselves. Since our creation in 2013, our database has been filled with magnificent projects that simply require funding to be realized. I also advise you to look at all the technological solutions developed in Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. I am convinced that our young people have a card to play; we just need to give them the means.