TotalEnergies Ethiopia announces local winners of Startupper of the Year Challenge

ADDIS ABABA, October 25, 2024 (FBC) – TotalEnergies Marketing Ethiopia has celebrated the local winners of the Startupper of the Year Challenge, which featured a selection process involving both local and international juries that identified 100 winners across 32 participating countries. The award ceremony, held in Addis Ababa on Thursday, marked a special edition of the contest in honor of the Company’s centenary.

The distinguished winners from Ethiopia are: Menberu Zeleke, who was recognized in the Innov’Up category for his innovative solar-powered automatic machine designed for cutting onion roots and leaves; Ermias Tefera, awarded in the Cycle’Up category for his eco-friendly biodegradable packaging and bags made from agricultural residues; and Adugna Nigatu, who took the title in the Power’Up category for his sustainable bio-gel fuel production project. Each winner received a financial prize of 432,000 birr.

This year, the challenge saw an impressive 719 registrations in Ethiopia, culminating in 14 finalists who presented their projects to a panel of experts, business leaders, and local stakeholders focused on sustainable development. The three young entrepreneurs, aged between 18 and 35, are set to play a vital role in advancing the country’s efforts to enhance access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions, according to the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Ethiopia. Furthermore, the winners will receive tailored coaching from the Company’s partners to support their ventures.