TotalEnergies Nigeria has unveiled the 2024 edition of its Startuppers challenge, an initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs across 32 African countries. This year’s edition commemorates TotalEnergies’ 100th anniversary, with the multinational seeking to support 100 businesses through a comprehensive program.
During the virtual launch event, the company announced that each of the 100 winners will be designated as a “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies.” These entrepreneurs will receive a monetary award of 8 million Nigerian naira, personalized support, and a communication campaign to enhance the visibility of their projects.
“This fourth edition aims to support and encourage young African entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their projects to reality in their country of application,” TotalEnergies stated.
According to Mrs. Adesua Adewole, General Manager of Country Services at TotalEnergies, the registration period for the challenge will commence on May 13 and close on June 18, 2024. Initially, 100 startups will be selected, followed by a shortlisting of 15 finalists. These finalists will pitch their businesses to a local jury comprising experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders, and representatives from TotalEnergies Nigeria.
The jury will select three winners across three categories: The Innov’Up winner for the best entrepreneur, Cycle’Up winner for the best circular economy project, and Power’Up winner for the best sustainable and affordable energy project.
“In December, we will celebrate 100 businesses across Africa. In previous editions, we had only six winners invited to Paris, but this year, we will have 100 winners who will be celebrated at a selected location,” Adewole explained.
Dr. Charles Ebereonwu, Country Communications Manager at TotalEnergies in Nigeria, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering women and promoting equality. “All entries will be assessed against their consideration of these dimensions,” he said.
Additionally, project entries will be evaluated based on their relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility, development potential, and respect for gender equality and inclusion of women.
The challenge targets startups less than three years old or pioneering business ideas with a positive impact on their communities or the planet. Nonso Opurum, a previous winner from Soso Care, a low-cost insuretech company that aims to utilize recyclable garbage as a financial resource, highlighted the transformative impact of winning the challenge on his business, providing theoretical knowledge, practical know-how, and capital for growth.