Incubation and Innovation: Shaping Gambia’s Business Landscape by Nurturing Young Innovators with Boubacar Demba Coly

Episode 159 with Boubacar Demba Coly, who is an inspiring ecosystem builder, business and entrepreneurship coach, and tech conceptor who is leading change in Gambia’s startup scene. As the project manager of the Gambia Tech Project, Boubacar is at the forefront of creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and enabling a thriving tech ecosystem in a country often seen as challenging for business.

The Gambia Tech Project, launched in partnership with the French Embassy and the Alliance Franco Banjul, is dedicated to supporting innovation through incubation, mentorship, funding, and networking. With a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs, the program has ambitious goals: coaching 50 entrepreneurs annually, incubating 10 startups, and organising global tech-entrepreneurship events to connect over 300 innovators.

During this episode we explore Boubacar’s journey, the mission of Gambia Tech, and the untapped potential of Gambia’s youth. From fintech to agritech, hear how this initiative is turning bold ideas into successful ventures, building sustainable networks, and redefining what’s possible in the region.

What We Discuss With Boubacar

• Key lessons from building ecosystems in Senegal and how they’ve influenced the approach to development in Gambia.
• The biggest challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Gambia and potential strategies to overcome them.
• Strategies for helping entrepreneurs in Gambia overcome the perception of the country as an unfavourable business environment.
• The unique opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship presented by Gambia’s young and dynamic population.
• Common traits and practices shared by the most successful startups on the Gambia Tech program.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Alternative VC Investing: Building Stronger Last-Mile Ecosystems to Drive Startup Growth in Africa? Make sure to check it out!

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Connect with Boubacar:
LinkedIn - Boubacar Demba Coly
Twitter (X) - @gambiatech

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