Orange is a multinational telecommunications operator with operations in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, serving 161 million customers as of December 2024. Orange Middle East and Africa generated €7.7 billion in revenues in 2024, representing the first growth area in the Orange Group. Orange operates as a multi-service operator and a key partner in digital transformation, providing expertise to support the development of new digital services across Africa and the Middle East. Orange Money, the company’s flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offering, is available in 17 countries, serving more than 100 million customers. The Orange Social Venture Prize was established in 2011 as an International Grand Prix competition to identify, reward, and support business propositions that have a positive social and environmental impact. Since its inception, OSVP has received nearly 15,000 applications over 15 editions, supporting and rewarding more than 500 entrepreneurs, including around 100 at the international level. The competition has become a reference in Africa and the Middle East for rewarding innovative technological projects with a positive impact. The prize contributes to socio-economic development, supports social and environmental innovation, and encourages entrepreneurship across the region. Winners receive support within Orange Digital Centres, which are dedicated to digital equality and provide coaching for business development, with the potential to expand beyond national borders.
FUnding Amount
- 1st Prize: €25,000
- 2nd Prize: €15,000
- 3rd Prize: €10,000
Additionally, the International Women’s Prize awards €20,000 to a standout project led by a woman entrepreneur. Beyond financial support, all 10 finalists of the International Grand Prix and the winner of the International Women’s Prize receive 6 to 9 months of business development support to accelerate their ventures.
Target
The OSVP is designed for entrepreneurs and startups operating in 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East. It seeks business propositions that harness technology to create positive social and environmental impacts in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, mobile payment, and environmental sustainability. The International Women’s Prize specifically targets projects led by women or those aimed at improving women’s lives.
Closing Date
The application period for the OSVP typically runs from February to the end of May each year.
Focus Areas
Social entrepreneurship projects based on New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) that make a positive social and environmental impact. Eligible sectors include: education and EdTech; healthcare and e-health; agriculture and agri-tech; environment and climate solutions; energy access and renewable energy; e-commerce and digital trade; fintech and mobile payments; green transition initiatives; digital financial inclusion; sustainable development solutions; logistics and supply chain; innovation addressing societal challenges. Projects must demonstrate: a contribution to societal development; promotion of innovation through ICT; incorporation of digital technologies into entrepreneurial solutions; measurable social and environmental impact; potential for sustainable, responsible development; and inclusive development that benefits underserved populations. Selection criteria include: social and environmental impact scale; degree of innovation and novelty; possibility of expanding product or service to multiple countries; financial viability and commercial sustainability; feasibility of implementation; strength and capability of management team; potential for job creation and economic development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be based in one of the 17 eligible countries in Africa and the Middle East where Orange operates.
- Startups should have a working prototype or a product/service already on the market that addresses social or environmental issues.
- The competition is open to both individual entrepreneurs and teams, with a strong emphasis on projects led by or benefiting women for the International Women’s Prize.
- Projects must demonstrate innovative use of technology and have a measurable positive impact on local communities.
