Startups in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMO) space have the opportunity to share a jackpot of FCFA 193 million ($350k) put into play by the union by taking part in a competition called “UEMOA Startup 2020 Springboard”.
Until November 30, young entrepreneurs from Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger and Senegal will compete to carve out their places as the best in the union. The Competition, which has both a community and national dimension, aims to support efforts to promote modern and innovative entrepreneurship and to accelerate the development of startups within the union.
“More specifically, the Competition aims to identify, reward and support the best startups that will stand out through the relevance of their activity and their impact on the green economy, as well as to stimulate support structures for entrepreneurship,” a statement to that effect noted.
UEMO startup competition UEMO startup competition
Here Is What You Need To Know
- This competition aims to promote entrepreneurship through financial support ranging from 1 to 15 million FCFA, granted to innovative start-ups having an impact on the green economy.
- To participate, you must meet the following conditions: be a start-up created after June 30, 2017, carry out economic activities in one or more UEMOA member states, contribute to the green economy, and become attached to a structure support for entrepreneurship in submitting their application. In addition, the main promoter must be born before June 30, 1975, and be a citizen or resident of a WAEMU member state.
- The deadline for submitting applications is November 30, 2020.
- This 1st edition of the Springboard start-up competition was launched in collaboration with the Regional Consular Chamber (CCR-UEMOA) and the National Consular Chambers (CCn) of the UEMOA Member States
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Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer