TotalEnergies Launches 4th African Startupper of the Year Challenge in 32 Countries

TotalEnergies has kicked off its 4th African Startupper of the Year challenge, extending the opportunity to young entrepreneurs across 32 African countries. This initiative, aimed at individuals aged 18-35 with startups under three years old or promising business ideas, seeks to promote innovation and projects that benefit communities and the planet.

The challenge, marking TotalEnergies' centennial year, will recognize and reward 100 entrepreneurs across three prize categories. The categories include Innov'Up for the best entrepreneur, Cycle'Up for the best circular economy project, and Power'Up for the best sustainable and affordable energy project. Additionally, four more projects in the Power'Up category will be selected by an international jury.

Since its inception in 2015, the Startupper of the Year challenge has rewarded and supported 365 winners from a pool of 40,000 applications worldwide. This year, the competition continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, providing a platform for young visionaries to bring their projects to life.

Eligibility criteria for the challenge are straightforward: applicants must be young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 living in one of the 32 participating countries, with a business creation project or a startup under three years old in any business sector. The participating countries range from Morocco and Algeria to South Africa and Namibia.

Why this matters:

This initiative has broader significance as it promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among young Africans, which can lead to sustainable economic growth and development. The challenge's focus on community and planet-positive projects can also contribute to addressing pressing environmental and social issues in the region.

Projects will be assessed based on four key criteria: relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility and development potential, and respect for gender equality and the inclusion of women in the project. These criteria ensure that the selected projects are not only innovative but also sustainable and inclusive.

Each winner will be designated as a 'Startupper of the Year' and will receive support and rewards from TotalEnergies. This recognition aims to provide a significant boost to young entrepreneurs, helping them to scale their projects and make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

The challenge is currently open for applications, with the final selection of winners set to coincide with TotalEnergies' 100th anniversary on June 18, 2024. This milestone event underscores the company's long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the African continent.

TotalEnergies' initiative not only highlights the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs but also emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive projects that can drive positive change in African communities. As the challenge progresses, it will be interesting to see the innovative solutions that emerge from this diverse and dynamic group of young entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• TotalEnergies launches 4th African Startupper of the Year challenge for young entrepreneurs.
• 100 winners will be selected across 3 prize categories: Innov'Up, Cycle'Up, and Power'Up.
• Eligible applicants must be 18-35, living in 1 of 32 participating African countries.
• Projects will be assessed on sustainable development, innovation, feasibility, and gender equality.
• Winners will receive support and rewards, with final selection on June 18, 2024.