Quick Summary: The 2025 Orange Summer Challenge named three Francophone African startups as winners. Participants received mentoring and support to develop tech-driven solutions. The winning startups tackled plastic waste, organic waste conversion, and healthcare innovation. Orange and its partners will provide funding and incubation support to help scale these projects.
The latest edition of the Orange Summer Challenge has concluded with three Francophone African startups emerging as winners. This annual program provides entrepreneurs with a three-month opportunity to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses.
About the Orange Summer Challenge
Established in 2011, the Orange Summer Challenge is the flagship initiative of the Orange Digital Centres network across Africa and the Middle East. The program aims to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop technology-driven startups that positively impact society.
A Competitive 2025 Edition
The 2025 edition attracted 282 young innovators and entrepreneurs from 14 different countries. Participants received intensive support, including training, mentoring, and coaching from industry experts associated with Orange and its partners—AWS, EY, and NOKIA. As a result, 57 startups were developed under the theme Tech4Impact.
During the closing awards ceremony in Casablanca, an international jury, along with votes from Orange employees across Africa and the Middle East, selected the top three startups.
Meet the Winning Startups
- Plastikoo (Madagascar) – First Prize
Plastikoo transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials. This innovative approach helps reduce pollution while promoting sustainable development in local communities. - MEPS (Tunisia) – Second Prize
MEPS leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to convert organic waste into clean biogas and fertilizer, contributing to environmental sustainability. - Leevlong (Cameroon) – Third Prize
Leevlong has developed a medical device that enables real-time monitoring of vital signs, enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
Support and Funding for the Winners
The winning startups will receive financial, technical, and commercial assistance from the Orange Digital Centres and their partners. NOKIA has committed EUR 40,000 (approximately US$42,000) to finance the pre-incubation and incubation of these projects. Additionally, Orange will contribute EUR 20,000 (around US$21,000) to support the young entrepreneurs behind these innovative solutions.
A Legacy of Impact
Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the program’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation:
“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 societal challenges. Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their dedication and creativity.”
With continued support from Orange and its partners, these startups are poised to make a lasting impact in their respective industries and communities.
