Orange Sierra Leone on Tuesday announced the commencement of the 7th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone and the 15th edition in Africa and the Middle East. The competition aims to support social innovation and local entrepreneurship in the region.
Entrepreneurs from the 17 Orange affiliates in Africa and the Middle East, including Sierra Leone, are encouraged to apply for both the national and international competitions. The deadline for submissions is set for May 18, 2025, and applications can be submitted through the official website.
The Orange Social Venture Prize focuses on promoting startups that make a positive impact on society. The International Grand Prix competition welcomes startups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East, with a special International Women’s Prize introduced in 2020 to support women entrepreneurs in business ventures.
Winners of the national and women’s categories will receive prizes at the national pitch competition, set to take place in August 2025. The top participants will advance to the International Stage, where 10 finalists will be selected and evaluated by a final jury of African tech influencers. The winners of the OSVP international grand prize and the international women’s prize will be announced in October/November 2025.
Orange Sierra Leone’s initiative aims to contribute to human capital development, support local social and environmental innovations, and foster entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. Since 2019, the OSVP prize has recognized innovative projects in education, healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and sustainable development goals leveraging digital technology.
As part of its commitment to equal opportunities, Orange will award the International Women’s Prize for the fifth consecutive year, recognizing women offering technological solutions to improve living conditions and promote gender equality.
The OSVP competition not only nurtures innovation but also aligns with Orange Sierra Leone’s vision of being a responsible corporate and social investor dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in Sierra Leone through digital experiences. Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) continues to lead the way in supporting digital transformation and new services in the region, with a focus on driving socio-economic progress.