The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East
An undeniable catalyst for progress, technological innovation can only reach its full potential if it is supported by a solid, viable business proposition that meets current and future social and environmental needs.
As well as encouraging innovation, Orange also rewards the positive entrepreneurial spirit of dynamic start-ups within the framework of its Social Venture Prize. Since 2011 this International Grand Prix competition has welcomed start-ups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. It identifies, rewards, and supports business propositions that make a positive social and environmental impact.
To encourage sustainable, responsible, and inclusive development, the International Women’s Prize was introduced in 2020, promoting business ventures led by women entrepreneurs.
17 national and one international competition on the road of the OSVP
To collect and assess as many positive impact business projects as possible, national competitions have taken place every year since 2011 in our local Orange African and Middle Eastern countries.
Each country chooses its three most promising initiatives which meet the entry conditions, which automatically qualify them for the International Grand Prix. Countries can also submit up to 3 women entrepreneurs' projects for the International Women's Prize..
The national selections therefore constitute the first phase of the OSVP.
International Women’s Prize highlights
As a powerful driver of economic development around the world, and major force in combatting gender inequalities, female entrepreneurship holds great promise for the future.
To encourage the emergence and success of business projects led by women, we created the International Women's Prize in 2020.
Offering a €20,000-award, plus 6 to 9 months of business and technical support, this prize contributes to women’s empowerment as well as their digital and financial inclusion.
Awards
International Grand Prix
1st prize: €25,000
2nd prize: €15,000
3rd prize: €10,000
International Women’s Prize
Winner: €20,000
OSVP winners receive financial support and coaching in Orange Digital Centers to develop their business internationally.
Apply from March 11 to May 18, 2025
Candidates must:
- Be 21 years and over
- Present a social entrepreneurship project based on NICT (New Information and Communication Technologies)
- The candidates must present a project that involves at least one of the 17 countries
Key stages
2025 National phase
Applications are open
Assessment and nomination
of national candidates
Each application will be assessed according to the rules of the national competitions and up to three winners will be selected in each country.
2025 International phase
Assessment and nomination of international candidates
Ceremony
The finalists will be evaluated by a grand jury of influential representatives from the African tech world, who will choose the three overall winners of the International Grand Prix. This jury will also be responsible for choosing the winner of the International Women’s Prize.
