The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East is an esteemed initiative aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Sponsored by Orange, a leading telecommunications provider, this prize recognizes and supports startups and social enterprises that leverage technology to address social and environmental challenges in Africa and the Middle East.
The Orange Social Venture Prize seeks to identify and promote innovative solutions that have the potential to create positive social impact and contribute to sustainable development. It is open to entrepreneurs and startups operating in various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and financial inclusion. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear social or environmental mission, as well as a viable business model and potential for scalability.
One of the distinguishing features of the Orange Social Venture Prize is its focus on leveraging technology to drive social change. Orange recognizes the transformative power of technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing communities in Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, the prize aims to support initiatives that harness the power of digital innovation, mobile technology, and connectivity to create positive social impact.
The Orange Social Venture Prize offers valuable support to winners, including financial grants, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to Orange’s resources and expertise. Winners receive funding to further develop and scale their initiatives, as well as guidance and support from Orange and its partners to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and maximize their impact.
Overall, the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East plays a vital role in promoting social entrepreneurship and driving positive change in the region. By supporting innovative startups and social enterprises, Orange aims to contribute to the development of a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for communities across Africa and the Middle East.
An undeniable catalyst for progress, technological innovation can only reach its full potential if it is supported by a solid, viable business proposition that meets current and future social and environmental needs.
As well as encouraging innovation, Orange also rewards the positive entrepreneurial spirit of dynamic start-ups within the framework of its Social Venture Prize. Since 2011 this International Grand Prix competition has welcomed start-ups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. It identifies, rewards, and supports business propositions that make a positive social and environmental impact.
To encourage sustainable, responsible, and inclusive development, the International Women’s Prize was introduced in 2024, promoting business ventures led by women entrepreneurs.
Benefits
- International Grand Prix
- 1st prize: €25,000
- 2nd prize: €15,000
- 3rd prize: €10,000
The 10 finalists within the OSVP International Grand Prix and the winner of the International Women’s Prize will also receive 6 to 9 months of business development support.
International Women’s Prize: Winner: €20,000
Requirements For The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East
Candidates must:
- Be 21 years and over
- Present a social entrepreneurship project based on NICT (New Information and Communication Technologies)
- The candidates must present a project that involves at least one of the 17 countries
Selection Process
Key stages:
2024 National phase
- From March 18 to May 26: Applications are open
- From May 27 to August 30: Assessment and nomination of national candidates
Each application will be assessed according to the rules of the national competitions and up to three winners will be selected in each country.
2024 International phase
- From September 2 to 26: Assessment and nomination of international candidates
- End of October: Ceremony
The finalists will be evaluated by a grand jury of influential representatives from the African tech world, who will choose the three overall winners of the International Grand Prix. This jury will also be responsible for choosing the winner of the International Women’s Prize.
Application Documents
Preparing the documents to complete your registration
1/ Project logo: the graphic representation of your project or company.
This is not mandatory, but we recommend you provide a logo that is easy to identify to help you stand out.
Required format:
- JPG, PNG, GIF
- 150x150px
- 200 KB max
Method of Application
VisitThe Official Website to Apply
Before you register, you’ll first need to create an account and provide:
- Your first name/last name
- Your address
- Your email address
- Your company’s email address
- Your phone number (optional).
You’ll receive a password by email which you can later change in your account. Once you’ve created your account, you will no longer be able to change your name, surname, or email address.
Application Deadline: May 26, 2024.
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