The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) has officially launched in Tunisia, marking its expansion into its 20th country and providing a significant boost to the local entrepreneurial landscape. The initiative is designed to empower young Tunisian founders by offering a comprehensive support system that includes funding, specialized training, business development services, and access to crucial networks.
Fostering a New Generation of Innovators
With a five-year commitment to the country, OCIF aims to be a long-term partner in Tunisia’s economic development. The program focuses on nurturing youth entrepreneurship as a key driver for innovation and job creation. By providing early-stage capital and sustained guidance, the fund will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to scale their ideas and build sustainable ventures that contribute to the national economy.
Inaugural Cohort Showcases Potential
The launch event highlighted the immediate impact of the program, featuring the first cohort of 10 Tunisian entrepreneurs who were selected as OCIF winners. The founders pitched their business ideas with impressive confidence and professionalism, demonstrating the quality of preparation provided by the program’s local partner, Lab’ess. This initial showcase set a strong precedent for the level of talent the fund aims to cultivate.
A Collaborative Effort For Local Growth
The successful launch in Tunisia is the result of a strong partnership between OCIF and local ecosystem enabler Lab’ess, which hosted the event and is instrumental in equipping the entrepreneurs with essential skills. The initiative’s entry into the market was also celebrated by H.E. Josephine Frantzen, the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Tunisia, whose participation reaffirmed the collaborative spirit between international partners and the local ecosystem in supporting Tunisia’s next generation of innovators.
About Orange Corners Innovation Fund
The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) provides early-stage capital to young entrepreneurs across Africa and the Middle East. Managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fund complements the incubation and acceleration services offered by the broader Orange Corners programme. Its core mission is to stimulate innovation, foster sustainable economic growth, and create employment opportunities in emerging ecosystems.
Source: Tech Africanews
