Following the successes of the 1^st and 2^nd editions, the Startupper of the year Challenge by TotalEnergies is back for its 3rd edition with the goal of supporting young innovative Ghanaian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.

The prestigious launch of this entrepreneurship-based challenge was held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Friday, October 29, 2021, with many dignitaries in attendance.

As it was during the previous editions, all business creation project holders and young innovative startups with a positive impact on their communities and the planet can participate in this year’s challenge designed to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

The first edition took place in 34 countries in Africa. The result: 11,000 startup applications submitted, 1,200 selected finalists, and 102 winners rewarded.

For the second edition, the Challenge was extended to the rest of the world with the participation of 55 affiliates. The result was 15,417 startup applications, 800 finalists selected and 165 winners rewarded.

Despite the health context, TotalEnergies has decided to maintain the Startupper Challenge to consolidate its commitment and desire to support young African entrepreneurs by contributing to the development of the local economic fabric; promoting its local roots through these local challenges; demonstrating the Company's commitment to local entrepreneurship and encouraging young African entrepreneurs to integrate environmental and societal dimensions into their business, e.g. women empowerment, etc.

To apply, each candidate must be between 18 and 35 years; be a Ghanaian Citizen, and have a business creation project or a startup less than 3 years old.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Total Petroleum Ghana PLC, Mr. Olufemie Babajide in his address indicated that this year’s Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies Challenge promises better and more successful activities than the two previous editions.

“This year, thirty-two (32) countries in Africa are participating in the Challenge including our dear Ghana. I have no doubt, we will see fantastic businesses ideas coming out from Ghana. As per the 3^rd edition, the Top Female Entrepreneur will be selected in addition to the two ultimate winners.

"The objective is to give women entrepreneurs an extra recognition in line with numerous initiatives TotalEnergies has in place especially for women," she said.

Her Excellency Madam Anne Sophie Avé, the French Ambassador to Ghana was full of praise for the initiative and added that this is a challenge set to support innovative Ghanaians and help them thrive and grow.

Mr. Ali Nuhu Abeka, the Deputy Director in charge of Downstream (Ministry of Energy) in his address also thanked TotalEnergies for taking this initiative to help young individuals develop their ideas and achieve their dreams.

He also added that the Ministry is very well aware of the success stories chalked by Total Petroleum Ghana PLC through the Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies Challenge with a typical example being that of Joshua Ayinbora, Winner of the 1st Edition who has as a result of this challenge tripled his number of employees.

In explaining the processes for the Challenge, the Project Manager of the Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies, Mr Bright Dokosi indicated that applications open on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at startupper.totalenergies.com. Candidates will have until December 23, 2021, to submit their applications.

He went on to add that this will be followed by a pitch in March 2022 where a diverse local jury composed of experts, people from the world of startups, business leaders, and local actors of Sustainable Development will select three winners: Best business creation project; Best startup under 3 years old and Best female entrepreneur. Thereafter, the 3 winners will be announced in a celebration in May 2022.

The 3 winners will receive financial support totaling ₵210,000, personalized coaching, and Visibility (media). Among all national winners, 3 Grand Winners will be awarded across Africa.

About Total Petroleum Ghana PLC and Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies

For almost 70 years in the Ghanaian Oil Marketing Industry, Total Petroleum Ghana PLC (TPGPLC) is well represented in all the regions of Ghana with over 250 Network Service stations spread out across the length and breadth of the country.

Besides selling fuel, lubricants, bitumen, and more of premium quality, TPGPLC offers a wide range of services to its customers by providing expertise on engine performance and reduction in consumption.

Startupper of the Year Challenge by TotalEnergies stemmed from the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of the TotalEnergies group to support the socio-economic development of all countries where it operates worldwide. The initiative is part of Total’s strategy to promote youth entrepreneurship and

development in Africa.

The mission of Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies is to support young innovative entrepreneurs by not only giving them financial support but also customized coaching, an impactful and rewarding label, and visibility.