Holder of a CNAM diploma, Ibrahima Basse has held various positions in the Senegalese Administration. He was successively technical advisor to several ministers before directing the ‘Technopôle de Dakar’ project for 4 years, during which time he initiated many activities to promote innovation and technology transfer. The forum of ideas for innovation, which he initiated, was a determining factor in bringing the university and the private sector together. His belief in the usefulness of knowledge for the competitiveness and growth of companies led him to coordinate the activities of the Industry Directorate for more than a decade. In addition, Mr. Basse was a founding member of the ‘Bureau de Mise à Niveau’ and a representative of the Administration in the Steering Committee responsible for deciding on the upgrading plans of companies. This passion for innovation and the promotion of champions in the private sector enabled him to create the first incubators dedicated to students at the Gaston Berger University and the Assane Seck University. He has also represented Senegal on the UNIDO Board, the UEMOA Upgrading Programme, and has served on several boards of Senegalese institutions and companies. Mr. Basse is a Chevalier of the National Order of Merit and of the Academic Palms.