The three winners of the Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge in Namibia are:
First place - Tjatjara Kaveto, The Nest: The NEST - Worldview Technology manufactures innovative waterless toilets called "the NEST" that are beautifully designed, easy to install and hygienic for areas that currently have no sewage system. The toilets are 100% eco-friendly with no smell.
Second place - Jona Iriya, Nam-Oceanic Kelp Enterprise CC: Namibia has a rich marine environment with abundant resources. We collect seaweeds from the coast, that are considered as a waste and use them to make chicken feed. These seaweeds have rare nutrients needed to boost chicken production.
Third place - Sajeni Lebogang, Namib Bee: Namib Bee recruits Individuals and communities into a trained and closely supported network of beekeepers. Participants will be empowered to adopt modern, highly productive beekeeping systems. Research will be aimed at developing high value products.
These young entrepreneurs will receive financial support of up to N$ 300 000 for the first prize to develop their project. They will also receive personalised support and coaching from Gordon Institute of Business school (GIBS) and a communications campaign to publicise their project.
The winner of the Top Female Entrepreneur award, a new addition to the 2018-2019 Challenge to support women in business, is: Top Female Entrepreneur, Jona Iriya, Nam-Oceanic Kelp Enterprise CC.
The 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge, held simultaneously in 55 countries — 37 of which are in Africa; 11 in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region; four in the Americas; and three in Europe — reaffirms Total’s commitment to social and economic development in host countries worldwide. By helping innovative young entrepreneurs to realise their projects, the vhallenge strengthens the local social fabric.
The second Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge received nearly 50,000 entries, of which more than 15,000 were fully completed. In all, 825 finalists presented their projects to a jury of experts, with 165 winning prizes.
The first prize winner in each country will see their project presented to the international grand juries that will pick the six Grand Winners from all 55 countries.
