16th edition of its Social Ventures Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVP)./PHOTO;AI
Orange has launched the 16th edition of its Social Ventures Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVP), a programme that identifies and supports entrepreneurs addressing social and environmental challenges.
The call for applications opened on March 26, 2026, and will run until May 10, 2026, inviting innovators from all 17 countries where Orange operates to submit their projects.
Supporting Innovative Solutions
OSVP encourages projects that use technology to create positive impact, particularly in agriculture, education, health, and the environment.
Entrepreneurs are invited to harness tools like artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity to tackle pressing challenges and improve the lives of communities.
Since its creation, OSVP has received more than 17,600 applications, making it one of the largest initiatives for social innovation in the region.
The programme focuses on supporting solutions that combine innovation with measurable social or environmental outcomes.
A Two-Phase Competition
The competition is structured in two phases. The national phase selects top projects in each country through evaluation by local experts and Orange representatives.
The international phase brings the top three winners from each country to compete for the International Grand Prix and the International Women’s Prize.
A panel of experts and influential figures in technology and entrepreneurship will select the final winners starting in October 2026.
Awards include €25,000 for first place, €15,000 for second, €10,000 for third, and €20,000 for the International Women’s Prize.
Winners also gain access to mentorship, networks, and Orange Digital Centers to help scale their projects.
Building Skills and Capacity
The Orange Digital Centers provide training in coding, prototyping, digital manufacturing, and incubation support.
Entrepreneurs can develop their projects into sustainable businesses while gaining access to mentorship and connections that open new markets and funding opportunities.
By combining financial support with training and strategic partnerships, OSVP helps projects grow while ensuring they create lasting social and environmental impact.
The initiative particularly encourages applications from women-led projects, supporting inclusive innovation in the region.
Driving Impact Across the Region
Over 16 years, OSVP has become a key platform for entrepreneurs using technology to solve real-world challenges.
Supported projects range from improving agricultural productivity and access to education to tackling environmental degradation and advancing health services.
By focusing on initiatives that combine profit with purpose, OSVP strengthens the role of entrepreneurship in inclusive economic development.
It connects innovators with resources and networks that allow them to scale their solutions and improve the lives of communities across Africa and the Middle East.
Applications are open through the OSVP platform until May 10, 2026, allowing aspiring social entrepreneurs to gain funding, mentorship, and technical support to transform their ideas into sustainable impact.
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