SeaH4 Wins the Southern African Stage of the EDF Pulse Africa Tour competition

24 October 2023
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35Nord (Paris)

In a significant victory, SeaH4 emerged as the winner of the Southern African phase of the EDF Pulse Africa Tour, a segment of the broader EDF Pulse Africa innovation contest. The grand finale, scheduled for December in Paris, will see six contenders vying for the top spot. The EDF Pulse Africa competition, reflecting EDF's dedication to Africa, champions the continent's brightest innovative start-ups. These start-ups are poised to address Africa's pressing energy needs and bolster its economic growth.

Established in 2019, the EDF Pulse Africa Tour collaborates with African incubators and other EDF institutional allies to engage with pioneering start-ups firsthand. The Southern African finale, held on October 18th in Pretoria, South Africa, showcased 5 finalists from the 15 selected start-ups. This event highlighted the rich diversity and dynamism of the Southern African entrepreneurial landscape, marking it as one of the continent's most vibrant hubs.

In South Africa, entrepreneurs showcased their groundbreaking solutions before HE David MARTINON, French Ambassador in the Republic of South Africa, and an esteemed panel of experts, including, Laurent CLÉMENT, Vice President of EDF Africa and president of the jury, Christ Anderson AHOUA-BOUA, Head of Communications of EDF Africa, Vere SHABA, Founder & Director of Green Design Africa, Karen SEREM WAITHAKA, Chief Investment Officer at Catalyst Fund, Mathilde VIVOT, Innovation Officer, French Embassy in South Africa.

SeaH4 was awarded the first prize for its groundbreaking work in designing 3rd Generation Biofuels, offering a consumer-ready net zero CO2 alternative to fossil fuels without the need for additional investments in transport infrastructure. This approach aligns seamlessly with South Africa's mission to achieve net zero CO2 emissions and foster the development of rural communities. SeaH4  not only ensures a sustainable income for underserved communities but also actively contributes to multiple Sustainable UN Development Goals, directly influencing 12 and indirectly impacting 5.

At the end of the final, which will take place on December, 2 winners will be able to win up to €20,000, and join the EDF Pulse Africa Accelerator, an acceleration program bringing together players committed to accompanying and supporting the growth of African "pearls" in the field of energy access.

Laurent CLÉMENT, Vice President of EDF Africa, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “EDF's partnership in this endeavor is more than just a competition; it's a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in the African energy sector. The talent and dedication showcased by these start-ups not only reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of the region but also the commitment to solving real-world challenges. The future of energy innovation is bright in Africa, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey! ”.

This initiative is a continuation of the EDF Pulse awards. Launched in 2012, these awards have fostered the emergence and support of 1,500 innovative projects in France, the UK and Italy, as part of EDF's strategy to identify potential partners, develop its own ecosystem and give visibility to young innovative African structures, in order to gain agility and respond more appropriately to market needs.

EDF has been present for 50 years in more than 14 African countries, with more than 500,000 households electrified according to a "low carbon" model that favors sustainable and accessible energy.

About EDF

As a major player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all businesses: generation, transmission, distribution, energy trading, energy sales and energy services. EDF group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, having developed a diverse production mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 40.3 million customers (1), of whom 30.3 million in France (2). It generated consolidated sales of €143.5 billion in 2022.

(1) Customers are counted per delivery site. A customer can have two delivery points: one for electricity and another one for gas.

(2) Including ÉS (Électricité de Strasbourg) and SEI

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