Skip to content

Startupper of the Year Challenge by TotalEnergies Edition 4

“Ideas require energy to thrive!”

100 African “Startuppers” to be recognized and rewarded in fourth “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies” Challenge
 for TotalEnergies’ 100th anniversary

Following the success of the first three editions, TotalEnergies is now holding another Startupper of the Year Challenge, in 32 African countries. For this special edition, organized against the backdrop of the Company’s centennial year, 100 entrepreneurs from across the continent will be recognized and rewarded via three prize categories.

During the previous edition, TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Ltd had rewarded three young entrepreneurs:

Jane Nakasamu- Greenbelt Energy

Jephan Ngolobola – Organic School Chalk

Lazarous Silwelwa- Virgin Green Renewable Energy

This new edition kicking off today reaffirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting the socio-economic development of African countries in which the Company is present. The Challenge strengthens the social fabric in local communities by helping the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects. In all, 365 winners – selected from among some 40,000 applications received – have been rewarded and supported worldwide since 2015.

For this 2024/2025 edition of the Challenge, TotalEnergies will support, and reward young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 living in Zambia who have a business creation project or a startup under three years old, in any business sector. A local jury comprised of experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders and representatives from TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia will select three winners:

  • Innov’Up winner, for the best entrepreneur.
  • Cycle’Up winner, for the best project relating to the circular economy.
  • Power’Up winner, for the best project relating to sustainable, affordable energy.

Four additional projects in the Power’Up category will be selected by an international jury.

All project entries will be assessed against four criteria:

  • Relevance to sustainable development challenges
  • Innovation
  • Feasibility and development potential
  • Respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project.

Each winner will become a “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies” and will benefit from a monetary award of K185,500.00, personalized support and a communication campaign to enhance their project’s visibility. Winners will also have the opportunity to promote their project during a celebratory event, the details of which will be released at a later date.

Registration is open directly online at http://startupper.totalenergies.com. Applicants will then have until June 18th to complete their applications.