Supporting young African entrepreneurs

In honor of its 100th anniversary, TotalEnergies Madagascar is hosting the fourth Challenge Startupper to promote entrepreneurship. The event took place on May 15, 2024, attended by Marième-Sav Sow, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Madagascar and President of the Madagascar Petroleum Group (GPM).

The aim is to broaden the field of entrepreneurship in Madagascar, create momentum in this sector, and, above all, encourage young people to get involved and bring their projects to fruition. The Challenge Startupper is open to residents of 32 African countries, including Madagascar, with a particular focus on young people aged 18 to 35.

This year, TotalEnergies will honor 100 entrepreneurs in three award categories: Innov’up for the best entrepreneur, Cycle Up for the best circular economy project, and Power’up for the best sustainable and affordable energy project. Each winner will receive a prize of 30 million ariary (6,500 USD) to support the development of their project.

The themes are not predetermined by the organizer, and the competition welcomes all types of projects. The jury will evaluate submissions based on four criteria: response to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility and development potential, and respect for gender equality.

Young African entrepreneurs with innovative projects can submit their entries online until June 18, 2024, at startupper.totalenergies.com. The 100 most promising projects will be unveiled, followed by the selection of 15 finalists. In October, the finalists will present their projects to the jury, and in November, the winners will be announced.