STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTAL, an opportunity for the young people of Angola

STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTAL is a contest that comes along with the African continent.

At a time when Africa is striving for inclusive economic and social development, Total, the most African of the all the oil majors, creates more opportunities for the future generations.

AN AFRICAN CONTEST

For the first time the Total Group is organizing the challenge STARTUPPER OF YEAR BY TOTAL[1]. This challenge is happening simultaneously in 34 affiliates of the Group in Africa. Organizing a challenge of this kind aimed at Africa is evidence of the strong and long-lasting presence of the Group in the continent.

The challenge STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTAL is part of Total’s global initiative of supporting the socioeconomic development of all the countries where it operates worldwide. It is a very concrete action launched to locally contribute to the reinforcement of the industrial fabric and to employment, by supporting the most daring and innovative entrepreneurs in realizing their project. This approach targets the emergence of new initiatives, while respecting the Total group values.

At a time when Angola and the other African countries are up-and-coming, the associated challenges are bigger and unusual.

STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTAL aims at strengthening the tools, conditions and human capital to meet these challenges, and supporting the effort and commitment of Local Authorities, a cooperation between partners.

ENERGIZING YOUR IDEA

In Angola, the challenge was launched on November 18, 2015 during a press conference held at the Total premises, in Luanda. This event was attended by representatives of Angolan companies and institutions: universities, banks, non-governmental associations and other oil business partners. During the press conference, Total E&P Angola General Manager, Jean-Michel Lavergne, presented the Sponsor – Miguel Carneiro[2] and the jury panel[3], headed by Edson Veloso. This team was selected primarily to promote and encourage young people to participate and to carefully select the three best projects of STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR 2016 of Angola.

STARTUPPER OF THE YEAR BY TOTAL is exclusively for young people up to 35 years old or start-up enterprises less than 2 years old. This challenge aims to identify, reward and support projects that are outstanding for their innovation, originality, daring and with development potential to improve the living conditions of the population of the country of origin.

The projects will be evaluated by highly professional juries, a panel of experts from different sectors of activity: banking, finance, industry, services, education, public, semi-public and private organizations, leaders of institutions/associations, as well as recognized experts and analysts. The three winners will receive financial support and coaching from Total and partners in this initiative. The jury panel3 is composed of young entrepreneurs and experienced specialists in key areas for the development of the country.