The second edition of "Libérer les Énergies", an initiative led by the National Development Agency of Digital Technology (Anaden), was officially launched on October 1, 2026. This year's edition takes a new format, shifting from a competition to a television show aimed at showcasing Comorian talents in digital and renewable energy. The initiative seeks to identify, support, and bring to light innovative projects that can address the country's challenges.

The launch event was attended by Said Mouinou Ahamada, Director General of the National Regulatory Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (Anrtic). He outlined the ambitions of the new format, emphasizing the potential of digital and renewable energy to drive economic development, create jobs, and improve services. Ahamada highlighted that the initiative aims to support talented individuals capable of proposing solutions to the country's challenges.

The call for applications is open until October 10, and eligible candidates are those aged 18 to 45, residing in Comoros or in the diaspora. They can submit their ideas through a dedicated online platform. According to Abou El Madjid Oussoufa, Deputy Director General of Anaden, a selection process will narrow down the applications to a Top 50, then a Top 10, and finally, three laureates will be chosen.

While the primary focus is on energy and digital sectors, projects from other sectors such as agriculture, fishing, or tourism can also be submitted, provided they incorporate a digital or energetic dimension. The selected candidates will receive coaching, mentoring, and training throughout the competition. The three finalists will continue to receive support after the competition, including at least six months of incubation to further develop their projects.

The first laureate will receive a grant of 5 million francs, and additional financial partners may be mobilized for projects requiring further investment. The final event, scheduled for November 28, will also allow the public to participate in the selection of laureates through a voting system. The organizers encourage potential candidates to believe in their ideas and dare to take the leap.

The "Libérer les Énergies" initiative is designed to tap into the creative potential of Comorian youth, providing them with the necessary tools and support to turn their ideas into reality. By focusing on digital and renewable energy, the initiative aims to contribute to the country's sustainable development and economic growth.

As the competition progresses, the selected projects will be showcased on a television show, allowing the public to follow the journey of the innovators and the development of their projects. The initiative's success will be measured by its impact on the country's innovation ecosystem and the number of projects that can be scaled up or replicated.

Key points

  • The second edition of "Libérer les Énergies" has shifted from a competition to a television show to support young innovators in Comoros.
  • The initiative focuses on digital and renewable energy sectors to drive economic development and create jobs.
  • The first laureate will receive a grant of 5 million francs, and additional financial support may be mobilized for selected projects.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.