Driving Innovation: Orange Opens 16th Ventures Prize for African and Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs
For this new edition, Orange is showcasing startups that harness new technologies: artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, in the service of a lasting positive impact for both populations and the planet.
Thursday 26 March 2026 marks the official launch of the highly anticipated 16th edition of the Orange Ventures Prize in Middle East and Africa (OSVP), a flagship initiative dedicated to promoting high-impact entrepreneurial innovation. From 26 March 2026 until 10 May 2026, entrepreneurs from all 17 countries where Orange operates in Africa and the Middle East are invited to submit their applications on the dedicated platform.
An award at the heart of technological and societal challenges
For this new edition, Orange is showcasing startups that harness new technologies: artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, in the service of a lasting positive impact for both populations and the planet.
Projects operating in key sectors such as agriculture, education, environment or health are particularly encouraged because of their transformative potential in the region.
A structuring device to support the growth of startups
Beyond the financial rewards, OSVP is a real growth accelerator. The winners will benefit from support within the Orange Digital Centers, as well as strategic partnerships aimed at fostering their growth, opening new market opportunities for them, facilitate access to funding and key expertise and contribute sustainably to their success.
With more than 17,600 applications received since its creation, OSVP is today an essential catalyst for innovative entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East.
Two phases to reveal the talents of tomorrow
The competition will take place in two stages:
- National phase (March 26 to May 10, 2026)
Organised in 17 countries, this phase allows the selection of national winners after an evaluation phase followed by a jury composed of ecosystem players and Orange representatives.
- International phase
The 3 winners from each country reach the international final and compete for:
- The International Grand Prix which will elect the 1st, 2nd and 3rd international winners
- The International Women’s Prize (up to 3 candidates per country),
The projects are first evaluated by a committee composed of employees from the Orange group. At the end of these evaluations, 10 finalists will be designated to compete for the International Grand Prix and 5 for the International Women’s Prize.
A final jury composed of experts, emblematic personalities from the tech and entrepreneurship will designate, starting in October 2026, the 3 winners of the International Grand Prix, as well as the winner of the International Women’s Prize of OSVP.
Rewards to accelerate the impact
The winners will receive significant financial support to develop their solution
- 25,000€ for the 1st prize;
- 15,000€ for the 2nd prize;
- 10,000€ for the 3rd prize;
- 20,000 € for the International Women’s Prize;
Building a future with confidence
Through the OSVP, Orange reaffirms its commitment to supporting youth, stimulating innovation and promoting inclusive economic development.By supporting impact entrepreneurs, Orange continues to reveal and bring out the key players in tomorrow’s economy.
