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Global oil and gas company Total has opened applications for its “Startupper of the Year” award in the 34 African countries in which it operates, saying it is looking to identify, reward and provide support to the best startups across the continent.

Winning projects will be granted the “Startupper of the Year” title alongside financial assistance and coaching from Total and affiliated companies.

The company said the challenge is part of Total’s global initiative of supporting socio-economic development in 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 on the African continent, by supporting the most daring and innovative entrepreneurs in realising their project. This approach targets the emergence of new initiatives, while respecting the Total Group values,” the company said.

Applications are now open until January 31 next year, after which a jury of professionals will pre-select up to ten projects in each country based on specific criteria, which include innovation, originality, audacity and potential to impact on socio-economic development.

The list of finalists will be published on the competition website by February 28, 2016, while a candidates’ defence which will take place by March 15. Total operates in Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Reunion, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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