(lavoixdesentreprises.info) – At a significant ceremony held in Casablanca on November 12, the winners of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Africa and the Middle East (Poesam) were announced. Three startups from Morocco, Tunisia, and Côte d’Ivoire stood out for their significant contributions to society through innovative and digital solutions.
On November 12, Casablanca hosted a vibrant celebration of social innovation with the announcement of the winners of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Africa and the Middle East (Poesam). This ceremony brought together entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and highlighted bold projects that tackle crucial issues while integrating digital advancements. The winners of this 14th edition, selected from 1,600 applications from 17 countries, perfectly illustrate the creativity and dynamism of entrepreneurial youth across these two continents.
The international grand prize was awarded to the Moroccan startup Savey, recognized for its innovative approach to combating food waste. Through a digital and logistical solution, Savey facilitates the sale of unsold food products or those nearing their expiration date, thereby reducing waste while supporting merchants. This project, which combines social impact and economic viability, earned the startup a financial support of €25,000.
The second place was awarded to WeFix, a Tunisian initiative offering a digital solution for the sustainable management of electronic devices and appliances. By helping individuals and businesses extend the lifespan of their equipment, WeFix commits to environmental responsibility and sustainable consumption. The startup received €15,000 in funding to continue its efforts.
Cocoa Shield, the Ivorian startup, took third place with an ambitious project that combines artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. By developing a technology for monitoring cocoa crops, Cocoa Shield fights against diseases affecting this essential commodity while providing solutions for sustainable agriculture. For its efforts, it was awarded €10,000.
The International Women’s Prize, which highlights initiatives led by women, was awarded to MyTindy, a Moroccan platform connecting local artisans with international consumers. By promoting direct sales, MyTindy enables creators to showcase their craftsmanship while expanding their market. This initiative received €20,000 in support to strengthen its presence and impact.
Additionally, the favorite prize was awarded to Intella, an Egyptian startup aiming to bridge the language gap by developing a speech-to-text transcription engine capable of processing multiple Arabic dialects. This project, recognized for its accuracy, underscores the importance of accessibility to technology for all Arabic-speaking populations.
Beyond financial rewards, all national winners of Poesam 2024 will benefit from support within the Orange Digital Centers. These centers, located in several countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, provide an ecosystem conducive to the growth and expansion of startups, allowing them to cross national borders and develop in new markets.
Poesam positions itself as a catalyst for innovation and social engagement, encouraging entrepreneurs to devise solutions that address contemporary challenges. By honoring these startups, the Orange Prize emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship in transforming African and Middle Eastern societies while paving the way for initiatives that combine economic performance with social impact.
Sorelle Ninguem
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