TotalEnergies Nigeria has officially kicked off the 2024 edition of its highly anticipated Startupper challenge, aiming to bolster entrepreneurship across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
The virtual launch event, graced by TotalEnergies Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, alongside other esteemed executives, unveiled plans to commemorate the multinational’s 100th anniversary by empowering 100 businesses spanning 32 African countries.
The initiative seeks to equip selected startups with N8m cash prize, personalized coaching, and media exposure, fostering innovation and tangible project realization within their respective nations. Mrs. Adesua Adewole, General Manager of Total Country Service, emphasized that the competition, now in its 4th edition, aims to nurture young African entrepreneurs and catalyze impactful ventures tailored to local contexts.
Registration for the challenge commences on May 13th and concludes on June 18th, 2024, with an initial selection of 100 startups slated to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. From these, 15 finalists will emerge to vie for victory across three distinct categories. Notably, the December festivities will mark the grand celebration of 100 successful businesses across Africa, departing from the previous practice of solely honoring six winners in Paris.
In a nod to Africa’s pivotal role in TotalEnergies‘ vision, Mrs. Adewole underscored the continent’s significance, especially considering its burgeoning youth population. She expressed TotalEnergies’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of African business leaders through targeted support and mentorship.
Dr. Charles Ebereonwu, Country Communications Manager for TotalEnergies in Nigeria, shed light on this year’s revamped challenge, emphasizing a renewed focus on gender empowerment and equality.
Entrants will be evaluated based on their adherence to these principles, in addition to their innovative business ideas with a positive societal or environmental impact.
Reflecting on past successes, Mr. Nonso Opurum, founder of SOSO CARE, a groundbreaking insure tech startup leveraging recyclable waste, lauded the transformative impact of the Startupper challenge on his business.
He commended the program for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, citing it as a pivotal opportunity for learning, growth, and access to capital.
With the stage set for another round of entrepreneurial brilliance, the TotalEnergies 2024 Startupper challenge promises to ignite innovation and drive positive change across Africa’s dynamic startup landscape.
