Nadia Simion

Nadia Simion is an accomplished Development Economist with over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing entrepreneurship and innovation projects, particularly those focused on the integration of new technologies and the twin green and digital transformations.

Her extensive work across Sub-Saharan Africa includes managing initiatives funded by the EU, World Bank, GIZ, and AfD, as well as leading projects for regional economic communities and the African Union.

Nadia excels in private sector development, collaborating with European and African innovation networks such as EBN, IASP, and Digital Innovation Hubs. She played a pioneering role in establishing networks like BIC Africa and ENRICH in Africa and has supported the launch of Copernicus Data Centres in Latin America. Nadia is recognized for her hands-on training for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and scale-ups, and for organizing acceleration programmes with a focus on cleantech and circular cities. Some remarkable initiatives: Smart Cities Innovation SCIP Program of the GIZ in Rwanda, ENNOVA Business & Innovation Platform and Community for the IEL of the AfDB and organized one of the largest pan-African ideathon mobilizing 25K participants in 2020, Circular Cities ClimAccelerator, Climate Entrepreneurship Accelerator , Built Environment Climate Accelerator funded by EIT ClimateKIC, ….She has directed major projects, including the D4D Hub Facility for EC DG INTPA, fostering partnerships between the EU and African stakeholders, and leading technical assistance facilities in digital, science, technology, innovation, and space. Her work has involved supporting the design of digital connectivity infrastructure projects, developing investment opportunities, and advising on digital policy and regulatory frameworks. Nadia is also a strong advocate for youth and women in STEM, actively participating in global networks to empower the next generation (AFRIA, ISF-A, Pact for Skills LeaderWomen in Tech-Hub Global WIT-h,). Her expertise extends to Community of Practices development (CoP Industry 5.0, the D4D Hub Network and PSAG), organizational change management (MWSoL MidWest Society for Organizational Learning – Detroit, Michigan, US regional chapter of SoL), and the creation of Communities of Practice in digital and industrial innovation. She holds an MSc in Economic Sciences from HEC Lausanne and is fluent in French, English, and Romanian.