Orange Sierra Leone is currently accepting submissions for the 6th Edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone, which marks the 14th edition of the competition across Africa and the Middle East. This esteemed initiative is designed to empower social innovation and nurture local entrepreneurship in the region. The deadline for submissions has been set for May 26th, 2024, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions.
Applicants interested in participating can register and submit their applications through dedicated links provided by Orange Sierra Leone. For registrations and applications, individuals can visit: [https://poesam.orange.com/en/](https://poesam.orange.com/en/). Furthermore, for additional information about the OSVP competition, participants can access details at [https://www.orange.com/en/osvp](https://www.orange.com/en/osvp). These platforms serve as gateways for potential innovators to engage with the competition and present their groundbreaking ideas.
The OSVP reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment as a responsible corporate and social investor to contribute towards human capital development, promote local social and environmental innovations, and stimulate entrepreneurship within Sierra Leone. Since its inception in 2019, the OSVP prize has recognized and supported innovative projects spanning various sectors such as education, healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and more. These initiatives align with sustainable development goals and leverage digital technology to drive positive change in the community.
The competition is structured into two main stages to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures and compete at both national and international levels:
1. National Stage: During this phase, applications will be accepted from March 25th to May 26th, 2024, with a specific focus on encouraging submissions for the Women’s competition. In August 2024, a national pitch competition will be organized to select winners in both the National and Women’s categories. Prizes for the winners include NLe 200,000 for the National Winner and NLe 120,000 for the Women’s Winner, offering substantial rewards to further develop their ventures.
2. International Stage: Winners from the National and Women’s categories representing Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to advance to the international phase of the competition. Across the 19 Orange affiliates in Africa and the Middle East, these exceptional entrepreneurs will compete against their peers. Following thorough evaluations, the top 10 finalists will be chosen, with the ultimate winners of the OSVP International Grand Prize selected by a final jury, comprising of influential tech figures from the African continent in October/November 2024.
In alignment with Orange’s core value of promoting equal opportunities, the competition also includes the International Women’s Prize, which will be awarded for the fifth consecutive year. This special recognition aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs who offer technological solutions to enhance the living conditions of women in society.
Prizes for the international and women’s competitions are as follows:
– €25,000 for the 1st place international winner
– €15,000 for the 2nd place international winner
– €10,000 for the 3rd place international winner
– €20,000 for the Women’s international winner
Orange Sierra Leone, as a leading telecommunications operator and service provider licensed by the National Communication Authority, is dedicated to addressing the socio-economic needs of society. The company is committed to becoming a responsible Corporate Social Investor, leveraging digital experiences to enhance the daily lives of people in Sierra Leone.
By encouraging and supporting local entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Orange Social Venture Prize, Orange Sierra Leone plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age. As the submission period for the 6th Edition of the OSVP in Sierra Leone continues, the stage is set for visionary individuals to make a lasting impact through their innovative solutions and entrepreneurial spirit.
