Abdou SAMB
Abdou SAMB is an accomplished expert in digital transformation, innovation, and international development, with a distinguished academic background in Computer Research and Mathematical Engineering from the University of Caen and the University of Savoie Technolac, France. He began his career by leading the digital transition in major French public companies such as EDF and SNCF, before establishing the IT and Telecom department at Lowandamasaï, where he provided strategic innovation tax consulting to cutting-edge companies.
In 2016, Abdou SAMB was appointed as an expert for the European Union, tasked with evaluating international research and innovation policies. In this capacity, he championed new avenues of cooperation between Europe and Africa, specifically focusing on the transformative role of digital technology and the promotion of entrepreneurship among African youth. His visionary proposals were integral to the Digital4Development initiative, adopted by the European Commission in May 2017, which positioned these themes as key levers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals jointly defined by the European and African Unions.
That same year, Abdou expanded his expertise in public administration by earning an MBA in Coaching & Supporting the Transformation of Public Organizations from the University of Paris Dauphine. This positioned him as a leading figure in the financing of international cooperation projects. He played a pivotal role in the implementation of the European "Blending" strategy, which facilitates the convergence of public and private actors through the combination of grants, loans, and other financial instruments to support essential investments that drive growth across both continents. Abdou has also been a passionate advocate for the inclusion of African start-ups and innovative SMEs in the Horizon Europe innovation program for 2021-2027.
In recognition of his expertise, the European Commission invited him to co-organize and lead a high-level finance conference alongside the World Bank at the European Development Days in Brussels in June 2018. Additionally, he played a central role in the successful organization of the Donors Conference for the Europe and Africa Advisory Group in Paris in December 2018. Abdou built critical connections between African and European political and economic leaders through his active involvement in the European Union-Africa Business Forum. Earlier that year, at MEDEF President’s invitation, he delivered a masterclass on public and private investment at the prestigious Stars in Africa event held in Nairobi.
Abdou is a frequent speaker at international conferences and high-level forums, where he shares his extensive knowledge of raising public funds for international development projects. His influence extends across the spheres of public policy, finance, and innovation, positioning him as a key voice in shaping Europe-Africa relations.
Among his distinguished credentials are:
- Auditor at the National Institute for Public Services (INSP), Jean-Yves Le Drian promotion (formerly ENA)
- Auditor of the 55th National Defense Studies Session (SNAED) at the Institute of Higher Studies of National Defense (IHEDN), appointed by the Prime Minister
- Auditor of the 15th promotion of the Advanced Economic Development Studies Cycle (CHEDE), appointed by the Minister of Economy and Finance
- Member of the Europe-International Committee at MEDEF (Mouvement des Entreprises de France)
With an impressive repertoire of expertise and a career defined by strategic leadership, Abdou SAMB stands at the intersection of public policy, digital innovation, and international cooperation, shaping the future of sustainable development in both Europe and Africa.
