AFRICA: 2022 ‘Franco-Fil’ competition accelerates on the SDGs

The French-based Société d'encouragement pour l'industrie nationale (SEIN) and the Conférence permanente des chambres consulaires africaines et francophones (CPCCAF) are launching a call for projects focusing on sustainable development as part of the "Franco-Fil" 2022 competition. Interested start-ups and companies have until 31 July 2022 to register.

The 2022 edition of “Franco-Fil” is launched. This competition aims to encourage project leaders whose solutions and technologies contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, three prizes will be awarded in the fields of energy transition, agro-economy and sustainable fashion. Applications will close on the evening of 31 July 2022 and the results will be known in November.

The “Franco-Fil” is jointly organised by the French-based Société d’encouragement pour l’industrie nationale (SEIN) and the Conférence permanente des chambres consulaires africaines et francophones (CPCCAF). The selected projects will each receive a prize of €5,000 on 8 December 2022. This will be in the presence of many entrepreneurs and professionals from the private sector, as well as public administrations.

In 2020, this competition rewarded the company EcoPlus for its biodegradable bags made from banana fibres. The start-up created by Dorcas Mumbembe contributes to the reduction of plastic waste in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where it is based. In the Agroeconomy category, Mariama Maman convinced the jury with her Jacigreen project, which aims to depollute the Niger River while producing fertiliser and electricity from Burkina Faso.

Also, the Chadian start-up Kouran Jabo won the Energy Transition prize at the last edition of “Franco-Fil”. The company founded in 2017 by Ali Mbodou Youssouf makes solar energy accessible to households and small businesses, thanks to the “Pay as you go” instalment system integrated into the solar kits.

For more information on the call for applications, click here.

 Benoit-Ivan Wansi  | https://www.afrik21.africa