We Inspire
We light a fire in young people… by training them to see opportunities that others miss, giving them the confidence to view themselves as entrepreneurs not employees and job creators instead of job seekers. We do it by delivering a best-in-class leadership and entrepreneurship program.
We Invest
We go all in … by providing a full life-cycle of support to the most promising entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. We do it through tailored coaching, skills building, expert mentorship, seed funding, and facilitating connections within and across industries.
We Transform
We go big … by positioning young entrepreneurs to tackle tough problems in key sectors and channeling their talent into innovative, private sector-led solutions. We do this through the Kosmos Innovation Center’s distinctive focus on commercial solutions and local knowledge.
Ghana
Established in 2016, Kosmos Innovation Center Ghana is helping to breathe new life into agriculture, transforming it into an engine of growth and job creation.
Mauritania
Launched in 2018, the Kosmos Innovation Center Mauritania is helping young, entrepreneurial Mauritanians develop the skills to turn ideas into reality.
Senegal
Kosmos Innovation Center Senegal is helping young business leaders in Senegal develop the technical skills needed to grow successful and sustainable businesses.
Kosmos Innovation Center
The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) invests in young entrepreneurs and small businesses who have big ideas and want to see their country grow.
Friday FAQ: How do I build a tech company in a growing market?
Many entrepreneurs believe that building a tech company requires a massive team of developers and a complex office setup. In reality, the most successful startups in regions like Ghana and Senegal start by solving a specific, local problem with the simplest possible tool. Do not build for the sake of technology; build to remove a bottleneck in someone’s daily life.
The most common trap is over-engineering your product before you have users. You do not need a custom mobile app to test an idea when a WhatsApp bot or a simple USSD interface might reach more people. In markets where data costs are high and hardware varies, accessibility is your greatest competitive advantage. Focus on building "light" solutions that work where your customers actually live and work.
Trust is the most important feature of your software. In many emerging tech ecosystems, people are often hesitant to share data or pay online. To overcome this, your platform must be transparent and reliable. Offering excellent offline support or clear digital receipts can turn a skeptical user into a loyal advocate. Tech is just the delivery mechanism, but the value is in the relationship you build with your users.
Finally, remember that a tech company is still a business that must eventually make money. While global tech news focuses on "disruption" and "users," you should focus on unit economics and sustainability. If your platform saves a farmer time or helps a trader reach new markets, they will pay for it. A tech business built on real local demand is far more valuable than one trying to replicate a Silicon Valley trend that does not fit the local context.
Our latest case study - Acces Energie Solaire - are able to help farmers in Senegal to access critical irrigation thanks to the power of the sun. Read their story here - kosmosinnovationcenter.com/acces-energie-solaire/
In rural Senegal, farmers often have fertile land and water but no reliable energy to make the most of it. Abdallah Ndiaye, 23, saw this challenge and decided to act. Today, he is the Founder and Technical Director of Acces Energie Solaire, a company providing solar-powered water pumping systems that give farmers autonomy, lower costs, and a sustainable way to grow their crops. Read his amazing story here:
kosmosinnovationcenter.com/acces-energie-solaire/