Orange has initiated the 15th edition of its Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP), a competition designed to support startups in Africa and the Middle East that are positively influencing the environment and society. The proclamation initiated the application period, concluding on May 18, 2025.
About the Orange Social Venture Prize
The OSVP recognizes and compensates innovative startups that generate favorable environmental and social outcomes by employing new information and communication technologies (NICTs). Since its inception in 2011, the prize has provided financial support and business guidance to dynamic entrepreneurs from 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East.
As noted by Orange, “The Orange Social Venture Prize is a Competition dedicated to rewarding innovative business ideas aimed at launching new products or services that meet three fundamental objectives: contributing to societal development, promoting innovation, and incorporating digital technologies into entrepreneurial solutions.”
The contest is divided into two phases: a national phase, during which each nation selects its most promising initiatives, and an international phase, during which the finalists vie for the grand rewards.
The International Grand Prix provides the top three victors with prizes of €25,000, €15,000, and €10,000. An International Women’s Prize worth €20,000 was also established in 2020 to encourage female entrepreneurs.
Application and eligibility
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and submit a project that employs NICTs to resolve social or environmental challenges in one of the 17 participating countries to be eligible.
The following countries are involved: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea Conakry, Jordan, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tunisia.
Orange Digital Centres will provide financial awards, mentoring, and support to enable the winners to expand their ventures globally. As Orange emphasizes, “OSVP winners receive financial support and coaching in Orange Digital Centers to develop their business internationally.”
Thanks to the OSVP, startups throughout Africa and the Middle East have grown and made an impact. The prize continues to attract innovative ideas that benefit lives and communities by focusing on social and environmental issues.