Orange Prize 2025: Fueling MENA Social Impact with Tech
The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East is back for 2025, offering crucial financial backing and mentorship to social entrepreneurs leveraging technology for positive change. With applications closing May 28, 2025, this is a key opportunity for MENA-based startups aiming to make a difference.
Opportunity Overview
The Orange Social Venture Prize aims to support innovative projects that address social and environmental challenges across Africa and the Middle East. The competition specifically targets ventures that utilize new information and communication technologies (ICT) in fields such as:
Education
Healthcare
Agriculture
Financial inclusion
Environmental sustainability
This initiative recognizes the power of technology to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of communities across the MENA region and beyond.
What's on Offer
The prize offers more than just financial support. Winning ventures will also receive:
Financial awards: Details on the exact amounts will be announced during the competition.
Mentorship and coaching: Access to industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs to help scale their ventures.
Increased visibility: Exposure to a wider audience, including potential investors and partners.
This comprehensive support package aims to empower social entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and maximize their impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Orange Social Venture Prize, ventures must:
Be based in Africa or the Middle East.
Utilize ICT in an innovative way to address a social or environmental challenge.
Demonstrate the potential for scalability and sustainability.
Be in an early stage of development (e.g., pre-seed, seed stage). Specific eligibility criteria may apply and should be checked via the official source (linked at the end of this article).
Why This Matters for MENA
The MENA region faces unique social and environmental challenges, from water scarcity and climate change to youth unemployment and access to education. The Orange Social Venture Prize can play a vital role in:
Supporting local innovation: Empowering MENA entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to the region's specific needs.
Driving economic growth: Creating new jobs and opportunities in the social enterprise sector.
Promoting sustainable development: Fostering ventures that address pressing social and environmental issues.
Looking Ahead
With a deadline of May 28, 2025, MENA-based social ventures should act fast to prepare their applications. This competition provides a unique opportunity to secure funding, mentorship, and visibility, ultimately accelerating their impact on the region. The Orange Social Venture Prize underscores the critical role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing the MENA region's most pressing challenges.
Source: Opportunity Desk