September 10, 2019 – Kosmos Energy announced today the launch of the second edition of the Kosmos Innovation Center, Mauritania Innovation Challenge.
The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) is the flagship social investment initiative launched by Kosmos Energy in 2016. The Mauritania Innovation Challenge program, launched in 2018, provides the opportunity for young people in Mauritania to develop the confidence and skills they need to become entrepreneurs through a series of study-based modules and competitive pitch competitions.
Each year, the participants of the Challenge are encouraged and mentored to spot new business opportunities that could help to solve developmental challenges in Mauritania. The first edition of the Challenge took place last year and, through the provision of seed-funding and skills training, helped seven teams of entrepreneurs launch start-up businesses. Each of the teams will receive continued support to development their ideas in to viable and sustainable businesses.
The second Mauritania Innovation Challenge received over 502 applications from young men and women across the country, resulting in the selection of 36 teams being shortlisted to compete. Seven of these teams were selected from the KIC Women’s Bootcamp that ran for a week in August aimed at arming young Mauritanian women with the necessary skills and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs.
The Mauritanian Innovation Challenge is a four-month program taking the participants through business skills training, as well as coaching and expert mentoring sessions. Each part of the Challenge is designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to build and run a start-up business that could transform Mauritania’s economy through innovation and technology.
Ismail Sid Ahmed, Kosmos Energy Mauritania Country Manager said: “We’re very excited to be launching the second edition of the Mauritania Innovation Challenge. Following the success of last year’s program we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to more young and aspiring entrepreneurs. With the right skills and training, they have the potential to transform our country. Mauritania is fully of young talent, and we’re proud to support local entrepreneurs to harness their big ideas to drive innovation in the local economy.”
