Orange Egypt has announced the 2026 edition of its Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) for Africa and the Middle East, an initiative designed to identify and support startups using technology to address social and community challenges. The competition, active since 2011, provides a platform for entrepreneurs in Egypt to gain funding and regional exposure.
Quick Facts
- Total Prize Pool: Up to €70,000.
- Application Deadline: May 10, 2026.
- Eligibility: Startups under 5 years old.
A Two-Stage Competition with International Reach
The OSVP is structured in two phases. The first is a local competition where three winning Egyptian startups will be selected and awarded prizes. These winners will then advance to the international stage, competing against innovators from 17 countries where Orange operates across the Middle East and Africa.
The international prize pool includes €25,000 for first place, €15,000 for second, and €10,000 for third. In a specific push for inclusivity, the competition also features a dedicated international award of €20,000 for a project led by a woman.
Targeting Tech and Women-Led Ventures
The competition is open to entrepreneurs over 21 and startups that are less than five years old. It targets companies working in fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other digital solutions. Evaluation criteria focus on the project’s relevance to African and Middle Eastern markets, its use of innovative technology, and the existence of a working prototype.
This year’s edition places a special emphasis on supporting women-led businesses, reflecting a commitment to promoting gender equality in the tech industry.
Supporting Egypt’s Digital Economy Goals
This initiative aligns with the Egyptian government’s efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship as pillars of its Vision 2030. The program aims to contribute to building a competitive, technology-driven economy by empowering startups that offer practical solutions to economic and social issues.
“Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is a fundamental part of our strategy for achieving sustainable development in Egypt,” said Maha Nagy, Executive Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communications at Orange Egypt.
“Our goal for the 2026 edition is to expand opportunities for Egyptian entrepreneurs and connect them with a large network of experts and investors, which facilitates their startups’ growth and expansion in the region’s markets with confidence,” she added.
Nagy also highlighted the focus on female entrepreneurs, stating, “We are particularly interested in supporting projects led by women, as we believe their role in the technology sector is crucial for building a diverse and inclusive digital economy.”
About Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP)
The Orange Social Venture Prize, launched in 2011, is an annual competition that rewards innovative projects from startups that leverage technology to create a positive social or environmental impact in Africa and the Middle East. The prize operates across 17 countries, supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship to serve community needs and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Source: eleqtisadenews
