The open registration for the Startupper of the Year by Total" contest, which began November 1, 2015, ends Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 11 p.m. GMT.

"Startupper of the Year by Total" is a Total contest being held in 34 African countries. It aims at identifying and providing financial and other support to the best projects to create or grow a business under two years old in Ghana. The winning projects will be awarded the "Startupper of the year 2016 by Total" label, along with financial aid and coaching from Total Petroleum Ghana Ltd.Entry is free and open to any Ghanaian national aged 35 or under.

A jury of professionals will shortlist up to 10 of the best projects in Ghana based on criteria such as innovativeness, originality, boldness, growth potential and ability to improve people's living conditions. The list of finalists will be published on the contest's website no later than February 28, 2016.

After contestants make their final presentations, no later than March 15, 2016, the jury will select up to three of the best projects, which will be announced at an official awards presentation ceremony.

Complete rules for the contest are freely accessible online at [http://startupper.total.com/].

The "Startupper of the Year by Total" contest is part of our overall policy to support the socioeconomic development of all our host countries worldwide.

It is a very concrete initiative to help strengthen the economic base and employment locally, in Africa, by helping the boldest, most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects. The contest aims at fostering new initiatives, while upholding Total's core values.