Abida, Nejib

Expert in Digital Innovation, Science Parks, and Technopoles Tunis, Tunisia

Mr. Nejib Abida has over 37 years of leadership experience in digital transformation and the development of innovation ecosystems. He has been involved with the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) since 2003, participating in several editions as a speaker and evaluator. He also served as a member of the IASP Board of Directors from 2013 to 2015, contributing to the global development of science parks and innovation ecosystems.

A native of Tunis, Mr. Abida is an IT engineer with an Executive MBA, combining technical expertise with strategic management skills. He was the first to introduce the internet to Africa in 1990, during his time as a researcher in networks at IRSIT (Institute for Research in Computer Science and Telecommunications) in Tunisia. He played a key role in launching the internet across the region, positioning himself as a pioneer in digital connectivity for Africa.

Has managed and evaluated numerous European research projects in computer science and telecommunications. He has provided strategic advice to international organizations such as UNDP, UNIDO, the European Union, GIZ, and USAID, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and capacity building.

He has held significant leadership roles in Tunisia’s innovation ecosystem, including Director of International Cooperation at El Gazala Technopole, where he developed innovative strategies to link startups, research centers, and businesses, significantly enhancing the technopole’s national and international positioning. He also served as CEO of the Sfax Technopole, where he pioneered the creation of a Healthtech cluster, setting Sfax apart from other technopoles in the region.

Mr. Abida is a recognized expert and moderator in innovation, having facilitated numerous hackathons, fab labs, and innovation competitions, helping to shape dynamic, collaborative ecosystems that foster entrepreneurship and technological growth.

Currently, Mr. Abida is the President of ATUPEE (Tunisian Association for Entrepreneurship and Spinoffs) and the Secretary General of the Tunisian Association of Technopoles. He is also an active member of IEEE USA, ADRI (Association for the Development of Research and Innovation), and the African Diaspora Symposium (ADS), an influential association focused on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa.