TotalEnergies Launches the 4th Edition of the Startupper of the Year Challenge to Celebrate its Centenary
Lagos — In celebration of its 100th anniversary, TotalEnergies has announced the launch of the 4th edition of the Total Energies Startupper of the Year Challenge. This initiative is designed to foster and reward young innovative entrepreneurs across Africa.
The 2024/2025 Startupper Challenge will mark a special edition by recognizing 100 entrepreneurs from 32 African countries in three distinct prize categories:
- Innov’Up: For the top entrepreneur who showcases exceptional innovation.
- Cycle’Up: For startups or business ideas that exemplify principles of the circular economy.
- Power’Up: For ideas aiming to enhance sustainable and affordable energy solutions.
During a press conference, Adesua Adewole, General Manager of Country Services at TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent. She highlighted that this edition targets entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, residing in Nigeria, who either have a business creation project or a startup less than three years old, regardless of the business sector.
Mrs. Adewole was joined by Dr. Samba Seye, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, and Dr. Charles Ebereonwu, Country Communication Manager of TotalEnergies Nigeria. Together, they outlined the selection process, noting that a local jury of experts, business leaders, and startup ecosystem stakeholders would select three winners. These winners will each be titled “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies” and will receive a monetary award of N8 million, along with personalized support, dedicated coaching, and a promotional campaign to boost their project’s visibility.
Furthermore, the event will recognize four additional projects in the Power’Up category selected by an international jury. All entries will be evaluated based on their relevance to sustainable development goals, innovation, feasibility, development potential, and their inclusion of gender equality.
The celebratory event’s location, where winners can showcase their projects, will be announced later. Participants from the following countries are eligible: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and many others across the continent.
This initiative not only underscores TotalEnergies’ dedication to supporting innovative entrepreneurship but also celebrates a century of growth and sustainability efforts within the energy sector.