In a significant recognition of the region’s growing impact-driven entrepreneurship, startups from Morocco and Tunisia have secured top awards at the 15th anniversary edition of the Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) in Africa and the Middle East. The winners were announced during a ceremony at the Mobile World Congress Kigali in Rwanda, highlighting the increasing role of MENA innovators in solving critical social and environmental challenges.
Celebrating 15 Years of Impact
The OSVP has established itself as a cornerstone for social innovation across the continent. Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, commented on the milestone, stating, “In 15 years, POESAM has become far more than an award. 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.” This year’s edition saw a remarkable 82% increase in participation, signaling a strong rise in impact entrepreneurship throughout the region.
Morocco’s Sand to Green Takes The Grand Prize
Securing the first prize of €25,000 was Morocco’s Sand to Green, an agritech platform pioneering a transition towards sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The company uses advanced modeling to develop profitable and regenerative agroforestry plantations, directly addressing challenges of desertification and food security. The grand prize recognizes projects that combine measurable social and environmental impact with a strong potential for large-scale development through new technologies.
Tunisia’s Proverdy Wins International Women’s Prize
Proverdy from Tunisia was awarded the International Women’s Prize, receiving €20,000 for its high-impact, female-led project. Proverdy is an AI-powered platform designed to help companies measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint. The startup provides tools for compliant reporting and access to certified carbon offset projects, placing it at the forefront of the region’s climate tech scene.
Other Noteworthy Winners
The awards also celebrated other innovators from across the continent. The second prize of €15,000 went to E-Blood Bank Makila from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a digital platform connecting hospitals and blood donors. The third prize of €10,000 was awarded to N’Zassa Fund from Ivory Coast, a gamified micro-donations mobile app. The Prize Coup de Coeur of €10,000 was given to Maarifa from Botswana for its AI-powered online learning platform.
About Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP)
Created in 2011, the Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) for Social Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East illustrates Orange’s long-standing commitment to fostering technological innovation for sustainable development and inclusion. The prize supports and rewards startups that offer creative solutions to social and environmental issues. The winning startups receive financial grants and are supported by the Orange Digital Center to accelerate their project development and expand into new markets.
Source: Zawya
