Three Francophone African startups have emerged as winners in the latest edition of the Orange Summer Challenge, a program designed to give entrepreneurs a three-month window to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses. Established in 2011, the Orange Summer Challenge serves as the flagship initiative of the Orange Digital Centres network across Africa and the Middle East. Its primary goal is to inspire young individuals to develop technology-driven startups that contribute positively to society.
The 2025 edition of the challenge saw participation from 282 young innovators and entrepreneurs hailing from 14 different countries. These participants received intensive support that included training, mentoring, and coaching from experts associated with Orange and its partners, which include AWS, EY, and NOKIA. Collectively, they succeeded in developing 57 startups focused on the theme of Tech4Impact. During a closing awards ceremony held in Casablanca, an international jury, along with votes from Orange employees across Africa and the Middle East, selected the three winning startups.
The first prize was awarded to Madagascar’s Plastikoo, a startup that transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials. This innovative approach not only helps reduce pollution but also promotes the sustainable development of local communities. The second prize went to Tunisia’s MEPS, which utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to convert organic waste into clean biogas and fertilizer. Lastly, the third prize was awarded to Cameroon’s Leevlong, which has developed a medical device that enables real-time monitoring of vital signs.
The winning startups will receive a range of support, including financial, technical, and commercial assistance from the Orange Digital Centres and their partners. NOKIA is set to provide a grant of EUR 40,000 (approximately US$42,000) to finance the pre-incubation and incubation of these projects, while Orange will contribute an additional EUR 20,000 (around US$21,000) to support the young talents involved in these impactful initiatives.
Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, remarked;
For 15 years, the Orange Summer Challenge has supported thousands of young talents in their entrepreneurial journeys. This new edition once again highlights the capacity of African and Middle Eastern youth to innovate and address the societal challenges facing our continent. Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their dedication and creativity.
