Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs (OVO), Thomas More University, The African Diaspora Projects Initiative, VITO and the Flemish government once again join forces to stimulate the sustainable economy in Africa. The partnership invites entrepreneurs who are members of the African Diaspora in Europe with a good economic project in Africa to participate in the competition "Sustainable Technology for Africa" (SusTech4Africa).

Do you have (an idea for) a social enterprise in Africa, or (for) a sustainable product? Would you like to further elaborate and boost this? SusTech4Africa helps companies and (aspiring) entrepreneurs with an African background to strengthen the business model and develop a full-fledged business plan. What's more, as a winner you can also get a starting capital in the form of a social loan.

How do we proceed?
Click here to fill in the online registration form.
Based on the submitted information, OVO Team Investment selects 20 projects. If your application is selected, you can come and present your submitted project during the selection day in February. A panel of experts will choose the 12 most promising projects. If your project is included in this selection, you're on your way! During a 5-week process, you will work on your business plan and focus on your pitch. You will be assisted by experts who will teach you the necessary tips and tricks. At the end of the process you will pitch your project in front of an audience of potential investors. The winners of this competition will return home with a starting capital in the form of a social loan.

What are we looking for?

• The business idea includes the use of sustainable technology, or contributes to a transition to a more sustainable society or economy,
• The economic activity will have a positive ecological, social and economic impact within 3 to 5 years,
• Location of the (desired) economic activity is Africa, and
• The necessary investment in the company is less than EUR 50,000.

Who can submit?

• Members of the African diaspora registered in Europe,
• Be part of a team of at least 2 people,
• Have invested (or intend to invest) at least 25% of the capital.

Timeline:

• January 29, 2021: project submission deadline
• February 05, 2021: Announcement of a maximum of 20 projects to be invited for a live pitch on the selection day on 12 February 2021.
• February 12, 2021: selection day @ office OVO, Leuven: You are invited to present your submitted business idea to a panel of experts. If your idea is selected, you will be invited to participate in the Boost Camp, the coaching sessions and the final pitch event.
• March 1 and 2, 2021: Boost Camp @ Thomas More Hogeschool, Mechelen: During the Boost Camp you will be immersed in entrepreneurship for 2 days. With the help of mentors you will further develop your idea and develop a business pitch. The open questions and assumptions that emerge during the Boost Camp will be the focus of the homework afterwards.
• March 9, 16 and 23, 2021: Coaching sessions @ (place to be determined): During about 3 weeks you will work on specific aspects of your business idea and your pitch. During the sessions you will receive feedback from the coaches about the progress. Each coaching session ends with a pitch rehearsal. In this way your business model and pitch get more and more shape throughout the process.
• March 23, 2021: Final Pitch Event @ tbc: At this event you will present a detailed pitch of your business idea to an audience of potential investors. A jury will choose the winners.

Register here

Read the Terms & Conditions of the SusTech4Africa Diaspora 2021 competition here:
Read here more about The OVO Entrepreneur, a support program of OVO for African SMEs and of which SusTech4Africa is part:  
More information:
Maureen Duru, directeur The Foodbridge vzw (diaspora@thefoodbridge.org)
Kwinten De Smet (kwinten.de.smet@ovo.be)
Stig De Smet (stig.de.smet@ovo.be)