For the last edition, we have chosen to focus on the African continent, which has a special place in the history of our Company. Indeed, we have been present for almost 100 years in many African countries and are deemed to be a true partner in the countries where we operate. This is what differentiates us from our competitors: a unique strong bond in Africa and one that positions us as a reference partner. 

Our presence in Africa is a real asset for the Company and a proof of its strong and sustainable commitment to the continent. This is why, despite the global pandemic, we have decided to maintain the Startupper Challenge, thus consolidating our commitment and our desire to support young African entrepreneurs. Through this Challenge, the African youth are invited to develop the local economic fabric through a sustainable approach. 

"Our aim is to provide part of the solution to youth unemployment on the continent. It doesn't solve everything, but it has the merit of bringing out innovative ideas and helping a very promising entrepreneurial youth”.

Supporting the local economic fabric through the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Through this Challenge, we are not necessarily looking to develop projects that are align with our commercial activity. The importance of the social and environmental issues that we face requires the mobilization of all sectors. This is why we want, with the Startupper Challenge, to support the development of a dynamic and responsible entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are convinced of the effectiveness of creating synergies between different sectors. This approach is, in our opinion, the key to the emergence of new economic models that contribute to the improvement of people's living conditions and the protection of our planet. 

THE STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTALENERGIES CHALLENGE is an initiative of the TotalEnergies Company whose main objective is to achieve the following:

• Contribute to local economic development, 
• Promote innovative ideas in context of the country’s needs, 
• Demonstrate the Company's commitment to local youth entrepreneurship, 
• Encourage young businesses to integrate environmental and societal dimensions (inclusion of women) into their businesses