About the Kosmos Innovation Center in Mauritania
The Mauritania Innovation Challenge (MIC), launched by the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), is a transformative programme designed to empower young Mauritanians by unlocking their entrepreneurial potential. With a large youth population facing high unemployment, the challenge creates a crucial pathway to economic growth and job creation. By equipping young people with essential skills and the confidence to build viable businesses, the MIC fosters innovation and contributes to Mauritania’s future prosperity.
Since 2018, Kosmos Innovation Center Mauritania has trained over 400 young entrepreneurs, supported 96 startups, and contributed to the creation of more than 200 direct jobs across diverse sectors, including arts, fashion, technology, and business support. Kosmos Innovation Center Mauritania’s impact has even earned it a nomination for the U.S. Secretary of State’s annual Award for Corporate Excellence.
Mauritania Innovation Challenge
The Mauritania Innovation Challenge is central to the Kosmos Innovation Center’s mission of supporting young entrepreneurs who have the potential to drive economic growth and social change. The programme provides not only technical training and mentorship but also critical funding opportunities. In addition to seed funding from Kosmos Energy, participants have successfully attracted further investments from external sources.
By fostering business creation and growth, the MIC is actively shaping Mauritania’s economic future and empowering the next generation of business leaders. Open to applicants under 40, the programme offers several months of training and development, alongside the opportunity to access seed funding.
Read more about the Mauritania Innovation Challenge here.
Ra’idat
Launched in 2023, Ra’idat builds upon the success of the highly popular Women’s Bootcamp (introduced in 2019), which helped develop female entrepreneurs in Mauritania through a short, intensive programme. Ra’idat is a six-week initiative providing training and seed funding exclusively for female entrepreneurs, designed with flexibility to accommodate women balancing family, care responsibilities, and work, along with their business aspirations.
Find out more about our amazing graduates on our case studies page.
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