As information and communication technologies (ICT) continue to expand, young people are demonstrating remarkable ingenuity in addressing the challenges of their time. Through the Orange Summer Challenge, telecom operator Orange showcases these talents and supports them in developing their innovative solutions.

Orange Summer Challenge, Orange’s international competition dedicated to responsible entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East, unveiled the winners of its 2nd international final on Tuesday, February 26, in Casablanca, Morocco. Three innovative startups were recognized for their potential impact: Plastikoo, MEPS, and Leevlong, selected for their solutions addressing environmental, health, and social challenges.

Over the course of three months, 282 young innovators from 14 countries received intensive support, including training, mentorship, and coaching provided by experts from Orange and its partners, including AWS, EY, and Nokia. In total, 57 startups emerged under the Tech4Impact theme, offering solutions in environment, health, education, and agriculture.

The first prize went to Plastikoo, a Malagasy startup that transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials, helping reduce pollution and promote sustainable community development. MEPS, a Tunisian startup that won second place, developed a solution to convert organic waste into biogas and fertilizer, contributing to the energy transition. Leevlong, a Cameroonian startup ranked third, offers a remote medical monitoring device for real-time patient tracking, improving healthcare management.

The winners will receive financial, technical, and commercial support from Orange Digital Centers and their partners. Nokia will provide a €40,000 grant to fund the pre-incubation and incubation of the projects, while Orange will contribute €20,000 to support these young entrepreneurs.

For Orange, this edition once again highlights the dynamism and creativity of young innovators. “For 15 years, the Orange Summer Challenge has supported thousands of young talents in their entrepreneurial journey. This new edition once again demonstrates the ability of African and Middle Eastern youth to innovate and address the societal challenges of our continent. Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their dedication and creativity,” said Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji