5 Winners Announced for Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East
The winners of Orange’s 15th anniversary Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) for Social Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East have been announced.
The Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) for Social Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East was established in 2011 with the goal of promoting technological innovation for the benefit of inclusiveness and sustainable development.
The 15th edition of this year, which was held under the theme of inclusive and responsible innovation, is now over. At an international ceremony held at the Mobile World Congress Kigali in Rwanda, five businesses were chosen from 70 finalists from 17 different countries.
Morocco’s Sand to Green, an agri-tech platform that models successful and regenerative agroforestry plantings and aids in the transition to resilient and sustainable systems, won first place in the International Grand Prize. Prize money totaling EUR 25,000 (US $29,000) was banked.
The DRC’s E-Blood Bank Makila, a digital network that links hospitals, blood banks, and donors with safe payments and quick deliveries via drone or motorcycle, took second place and EUR15,000 (US$17,000). Ivory Coast’s N’Zassa Fund, a gamified micro-donations mobile application that turns donations into enjoyable experiences to help local NGOs using mobile money, took third place and EUR10,000 (US$12,000).
Tunisia’s Proverdy, an AI platform that assists businesses in measuring, managing, and lowering their carbon footprint through certified offset programs and compliant reporting, was awarded the EUR20,000 (US$23,000) International Women’s Prize. Botswana’s Maarifa, an AI-powered online learning platform that provides individualized and accessible instruction to enhance academic success, was awarded the EUR10,000 (US$12,000) Prize Coup de Coeur, which honors a firm that stands out for its uniqueness and impact.
The Orange Digital Center will assist every venture in expediting the development of their projects and expanding into new markets.
“POESAM has evolved into much more than just an award in the last 15 years. Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, stated, “With over 17,000 projects received, including 3,000 this year alone, it stands today as Africa’s leading platform for innovation, empowering entrepreneurs who turn challenges into opportunities.”
