Orange has unveiled the winners of its landmark 15th anniversary edition of the Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) for Social Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East. The prestigious awards ceremony, held at the Mobile World Congress Kigali in Rwanda, celebrated innovation that drives sustainable development and social inclusion across the continent.
About the Orange Social Ventures Prize
Created in 2011, the Orange Social Ventures Prize (OSVP) has established itself as a premier platform for recognizing technological innovation in service of sustainable development and inclusion across Africa and the Middle East. This year’s edition, themed around responsible and inclusive innovation, attracted an impressive pool of talent from across the region.
The competition drew over 3,000 projects this year alone, with five exceptional startups ultimately selected from 70 finalists representing 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East.
2024 OSVP Winners
🥇 International Grand Prize: Sand to Green (Morocco)
Prize Money: €25,000 ($29,000)
Sand to Green, a Morocco-based agri-tech platform, took home the top honor for its innovative approach to modeling profitable and regenerative agroforestry plantations. The platform facilitates the transition toward sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, addressing critical environmental challenges while ensuring economic viability.
🥈 Second Place: E-Blood Bank Makila (DRC)
Prize Money: €15,000 ($17,000)
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s E-Blood Bank Makila secured second place with its groundbreaking digital platform that connects hospitals, blood banks, and donors. The solution features secure payment systems and rapid delivery capabilities using drones and motorcycles, addressing critical healthcare logistics challenges.
🥉 Third Place: N’Zassa Fund (Ivory Coast)
Prize Money: €10,000 ($12,000)
Ivory Coast’s N’Zassa Fund earned third place with its innovative gamified micro-donations mobile application. The platform transforms charitable giving into engaging experiences, supporting local NGOs through mobile money integration.
👩💼 International Women’s Prize: Proverdy (Tunisia)
Prize Money: €20,000 ($23,000)
Tunisia’s Proverdy claimed the International Women’s Prize for its AI-powered platform that helps companies measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint. The solution offers compliant reporting and certified offset projects, addressing the growing demand for corporate sustainability solutions.
❤️ Prize Coup de Coeur: Maarifa (Botswana)
Prize Money: €10,000 ($12,000)
Botswana’s Maarifa won the Prize Coup de Coeur, which recognizes startups with exceptional originality and impact. The AI-powered online learning platform provides personalized and accessible education to improve academic success across diverse learning environments.
Support and Acceleration
All winning ventures will receive comprehensive support from the Orange Digital Centre to accelerate project development and facilitate expansion into new markets. This holistic approach ensures that winners can maximize their social impact while achieving sustainable growth.
Impact and Legacy
Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, reflected on the prize’s evolution:
“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.”
The OSVP has established itself as a catalyst for social entrepreneurship across Africa and the Middle East, with over 17,000 projects submitted throughout its history. The initiative continues to play a crucial role in:
Enhancing education through technology
Fostering technological innovation for social good
Supporting sustainable development goals
Promoting digital inclusion across underserved communities
Empowering women entrepreneurs in tech
Driving climate action and environmental sustainability
Improving healthcare access through digital solutions
