Since 2011, the Orange Social Venture Prize rewards projects or start-ups that are less than 3 years of age and that offer high-tech solutions based on mobiles or the Internet to respond to the needs of the population in Africa and the Middle-East.

This prize, that is awarder by Orange rewards technological projects with a positive impact that improve living conditions of the locals in Africa and the Middle East, in essential fields such as education, healthcare, agriculture, mobile payment or sustainable development in general.
The competition is organised in two stages: first, a national competition in 17 countries, where the cuntriess choose 3 laureates; then an international competition; where the jury chooses the Grand Prize winners amongst the national laureates. At the international level, inr nine years, 30 projects have been rewarded a total amount of €470,000 and coached by Orange and its partners!

The 3 winners of the Grand Prize receive, in addition of the National Prize, a financial grant of €25,000, €15,000 or €10,000. The 3 winners benefit from personalised support from Orange experts, and high media coverage of their project on the continent and beyond.

To mark its 10th anniversary, Orange will reward more startups, with the launch of the international Female Entrepreneurship Award worth €20,000 and a “special prize” worth €10,000 that is specific to this edition. A total of 5 prizes will therefore be awarded by the international Grand Prix jury on on the occasion of its 10th anniversary in 2020.