Orange Launches $70K Prize for African Tech Entrepreneurs

More than 17,600 entrepreneurs have launched their dreams through one competition, and now Orange is opening the doors again for its biggest year yet.

The telecom giant kicked off the 16th Orange Ventures Prize on March 26, inviting startups from 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East to compete for over $70,000 in prizes and game-changing support. Applications stay open through May 10 for entrepreneurs building solutions in agriculture, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

This year's focus shines on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity. But Orange isn't just looking for cool tech. They want innovations that create lasting positive change for both people and the planet.

The competition unfolds in two phases. First, each of the 17 countries selects national winners through local juries of ecosystem experts and Orange representatives. Then three winners from each country advance to the international finals, competing against the continent's best.

International winners take home serious support. The Grand Prix awards €25,000 to first place, €15,000 to second, and €10,000 to third. A special International Women's Prize adds another €20,000 to support female entrepreneurs breaking barriers in tech.

Money matters, but Orange knows startups need more than cash to succeed. Winners gain access to Orange Digital Centers for ongoing mentorship, strategic partnerships that open new markets, and connections to funding sources and technical expertise that can make or break a growing company.

The Ripple Effect

Since launching 16 years ago, the Orange Ventures Prize has become a launchpad for innovation across two continents. Nearly 18,000 applications represent thousands of solutions to problems that governments and big corporations haven't solved.

Every winner creates jobs in their community. Every successful startup proves that African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs can compete globally when given the right support. Past winners have gone on to scale their solutions across borders, transforming how millions access healthcare, education, and essential services.

The competition also shines a spotlight on women in tech through its dedicated prize. In regions where female entrepreneurs face extra obstacles, this recognition opens doors and changes perceptions about who belongs in innovation spaces.

Final winners will be announced in October 2026 by a jury of tech experts and entrepreneurship leaders. These judges understand what it takes to turn a promising idea into a sustainable business that serves communities for years to come.

Orange continues proving that telecom companies can be more than service providers—they can be engines of inclusive economic growth, nurturing the next generation of problem solvers who will shape Africa and the Middle East's digital future.