Total Upstream Nigeria Limited and Total Nigeria Plc have announced the commencement of the second edition of the Startupper of the Year Challenge.
The General Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Services, Total Nigeria, Olubunmi Popoola-Mordi, said the Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge 2018-2019 was designed to support and reward young entrepreneurs up to 35 years of age who had a project or had created a company in the past two years, regardless of their business sector.

“Following the success of the first Startupper of the Year Challenge, held in 2015 in more than 30 African countries, Total is bringing it back this year in nearly 40 countries across the continent and 60 worldwide.”
She said at a press briefing in Lagos that registration opened on Tuesday, October 9, adding that candidates would have until November 13 to submit their applications.
She said the projects would be assessed based on their innovative nature, social and community impact, and feasibility and development potential.
Popoola-Mordi said, “In each participating African country, a local jury comprised experts from Total, specialists from incubators and accelerators, business leaders and local community stakeholders will select three winners.
“Each winner will be awarded the ‘Startupper of the Year by Total’ label and receive financial support of at least N2.6m plus professional coaching and extensive publicity to advertise their project.”
She said as a new feature this year, the jury would present a ‘Top Female Entrepreneur’ award in each country to support women entrepreneurs.
“This special award, which is in addition to the other awards, is Total’s way of encouraging more women to take part in the challenge,” she added.
According to her, a grand jury will meet subsequently to select three grand winners for the entire continent, from among the first-prize winners in each country.

“More than just a business challenge, the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge also reaffirms Total’s commitment to capacity building in the countries where it operates, worldwide. By helping innovative young entrepreneurs to realise their projects, the challenge strengthens the local social fabric,” Popoola-Mordi said.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.