African founders of innovative startups are invited to apply for the Startupper of the Year Challenge. Applicants stand a chance to win the Startupper of the Year award along with other exciting prizes.
Launched by TotalEnergies, the Startupper of the Year Challenge is now in its 3rd edition in 32 African countries. The goal of this initiative is to support young African entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.
Applicants who have an idea or a project in mind will apply in the category “startup under 3 years”, while those that have a registered company that is less than 3 years ago will apply in the category “business creation project”.
The best female entrepreneur will apply in one of the two categories. She will be able to receive a maximum of 2 prizes: a prize in her category, and the prize for the best female entrepreneur. The latter is determined according to her personality and her background.
Award categories
- Best business creation project
- Best startup under 3 years old
- Best female entrepreneur
Benefits of participation
- Financial support
- Media visibility
- Coaching
Eligible countries
- North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia.
- West Africa: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.
- Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo.
- East Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Reunion, Island-Mayotte Island, Madagascar, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- Austral Africa: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Evaluation criteria
Sustainable Development: Projects must have significant contributions that can address the global challenges of poverty, environmental protection, peace, and prosperity in accord with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovation: Projects will be assessed according to the contribution of new and/or complementary solutions to meet some of the challenges in your applicants’ country.
Project feasibility: Special attention will be given to the feasibility and development potential of each project.
How to apply
Are you interested in the Startupper of the Year Challenge? If yes, click here to select the category you want to apply under.
Deadline
Entries close on Thursday, December 23, 2021.
