TotalEnergies is gearing up to empower 100 startup businesses from 32 African countries as part of the 4th edition of the ‘Startupper of the Year Challenge’, marking the company’s 100th anniversary.
Dr. Adesuwa Adewole, General Manager of TotalEnergies Country Services, highlighted that the challenge underscores TotalEnergies’ dedication to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development across Africa.
The challenge aims to bolster the social fabric of local communities by supporting the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs in realizing their projects. Since its inception in 2015, the challenge has recognized and supported 365 winners selected from over 40,000 applications worldwide.
In the 2024/2025 edition, TotalEnergies will support and reward three young entrepreneurs from each of the 32 countries of presence, along with four Pan African winners aged 18 to 35 with business creation projects or startups under three years old, spanning various sectors.
A local jury composed of experts, business leaders, stakeholders from the startup ecosystem, sustainability representatives, and TotalEnergies Nigeria representatives will select winners in three categories: Innov’Up for the best entrepreneur, Cycle’Up for the best project related to the circular economy, and Power’Up for the best project related to sustainable, affordable energy. Additionally, four projects in the Power’Up category will be chosen by an international jury.
All project entries will be evaluated based on their relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility, development potential, and gender equality and inclusion of women in the project.
Winners of the challenge, designated as ‘Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies’, will receive a monetary award of N8,000,000.00 (eight million naira), personalized support, and a communication campaign to enhance their project’s visibility. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their projects during a celebratory event, details of which will be announced later.
Registration for the challenge opens on May 13, 2024, online, with applicants having until June 18, 2024, to complete their applications.
