Orange launches annual social venture prize for Africa, Middle East
Africa
,
12 Mar 2025
Orange has announced the 15th annual Social Venture Prize (OSVP) across Africa and the Middle East to promote social innovation and entrepreneurship.
The OSVP acknowledges creative start-up ventures that make use of new technologies to positively benefit Africa and the Middle East in areas such as education, healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and the environment.
The applications opened on March 11, and contenders from the 17 countries in Orange's footprint have until May 18 to submit their concepts on the website.
Since its debut in 2011, the contest has attracted about 15,000 applications, according to the telco.
The contest is divided into two parts. The first is a national stage in which applications are collected between March and May at Orange's 17 subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East.
The second round is international, with each subsidiary represented by three national champions and up to three female entrepreneurs vying for the International Women's Prize. The initiatives will be assessed by an evaluation committee comprised of group employees.
Following their assessment, ten finalists will be selected for the International Grand Prize and five for the International Women's Prize.
In October, a final jury of notable people in technology and entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East will select three winners of the International Grand Prize and one winner of the OSVP International Women's Prize from the 15 initiatives chosen by Orange Group workers.
The winners will receive a cash contribution of €25,000 for the first prize winner, €15,000 for the second prize winner, €10,000 for the third prize winner, and €20,000 for the winner of the International Women's Prize.
“In addition to financial support, OSVP winners benefit from support within Orange Digital Centers with the prospect of developing their business outside the borders of their respective countries,” said Orange.