By Chukwuma Umeorah
TotalEnergies is set to empower 100 startup ventures from 32 African nations in the 4th edition of the ‘Startupper of the Year Challenge’ as part of the company’s 100th anniversary.
The Managing Director, Total Energies, Samba Seye disclosed this at a recent media briefing to announce this years edition of the challenge. According to him, “The initiative underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and bolstering the socio-economic landscape across the continent.”
General Manager of TotalEnergies Country Services, Adesua Adewole, while reeling out the activities of this edition of the Startupper challenge highlighted the pivotal role the initiative plays in fortifying the social fabric within local communities by empowering Africa’s most ingenious entrepreneurs and businesses to actualize their visions.
She noted that “Since its inception in 2015, the challenge has recognized and supported 365 winners selected from an impressive pool of 40,000 applicants worldwide.”
Adewole outlined the parameters of the forthcoming 2024/2025 edition of the Challenge, indicating that TotalEnergies will extend support and rewards to three young entrepreneurs from each of the 32 countries of operation within Africa, alongside four Pan African winners aged between 18 to 35. These individuals are required to possess a viable business creation project or startup under three years old, spanning across various sectors.
She added that a panel of experts, business leaders, stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, and representatives from TotalEnergies Nigeria will convene to select winners across three categories: Innov’Up, recognizing the best entrepreneur; Cycle’Up, celebrating projects contributing to the circular economy; and Power’Up, honoring projects promoting sustainable, affordable energy. Additionally, four standout projects in the Power’Up category will be handpicked by an international jury.
Adewole outlined the evaluation criteria for project entries, emphasizing their alignment with sustainable development challenges, level of innovation, feasibility, and potential for growth, as well as commitment to gender equality and women’s inclusion.
Each each winner will be designated a ‘Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies’ and will receive a monetary prize of N8,000,000 (Eight Million Naira), personalized support, and a tailored communication campaign to amplify their project’s visibility. Winners will also have the opportunity to promote their projects during a celebratory event, the details of which will be released at a later date.
Registration for the challenge is slated to commence on the 13th of May 2024, with aspiring applicants granted until the 18th of June 2024, to finalize their submissions.