Orange Corners: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Orange Corners is an international initiative driven by the Kingdom of the Netherlands that empowers young entrepreneurs primarily in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Established to address the unique challenges faced by youth in these regions, Orange Corners provides essential support such as training, mentorship, networking, funding, and workspace facilities. By helping young people transform innovative ideas into sustainable and profitable businesses, it contributes to inclusive economic growth and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discover how this dynamic platform nurtures entrepreneurship that drives social change, innovation, and prosperity across diverse countries.

1. Origins and Mission

Launched in 2016 by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Orange Corners aims to foster entrepreneurship among youths in emerging economies. Its mission centers on promoting entrepreneurship for a better world by supporting young people to build sustainable and scalable businesses. Through partnerships with local embassies, institutions, and private sector actors, Orange Corners creates an enabling environment that goes beyond training — offering mentorship, investment opportunities, and network access to catalyze youth-driven economic development.

2. Geographic Reach and Local Hubs

Orange Corners operates in over 20 countries spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Tunisia, and many others. Each local hub is typically initiated through a Dutch embassy partnership and tailored to fit the unique socio-economic context of the country. These hubs serve as physical and virtual spaces where young entrepreneurs can receive hands-on training, advisory services, and access to co-working facilities conducive to innovation and growth.

3. Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Support

Orange Corners stands out by providing an integrated support system covering business incubation, funding, mentorship, and market access. The program offers early-stage entrepreneurs enterprise management training, prototyping funds, and personalized coaching. Additionally, it hosts pitch competitions and demo days, enabling startups to connect with investors and potential partners, critical for their scaling and sustainability.

4. Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF)

A flagship component is the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, established in 2019 to bridge the "missing middle" financing gap faced by early-stage startups. The OCIF combines financial support with capacity-building to help startups become investment-ready. Recently, the fund expanded its reach to North Africa, including Tunisian startups, marking the 20th country in its network. The fund pays special attention to businesses that align with sustainable development and local impact.

5. Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

The initiative promotes entrepreneurial solutions that contribute to various SDGs, such as no poverty, quality education, gender equality, clean energy, and climate action. Entrepreneurs supported by Orange Corners often innovate in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, health, and circular economy, directly addressing local challenges while fostering resilient and inclusive economic systems.

6. Youth and Gender Empowerment

Central to Orange Corners’ vision is empowering youth, particularly women, to engage in entrepreneurship. Many of its programs include special workshops and outreach efforts aimed at female entrepreneurs, helping them overcome societal and economic barriers. The entrepreneurship ecosystem cultivated by Orange Corners offers a platform for young people to gain confidence, skills, and recognition in regions where opportunities for youth employment are insufficient.

7. Notable Entrepreneurial Success Stories

Graduates of Orange Corners demonstrate innovative approaches and tangible impact. For example, an Egyptian startup improved honey production by hybridizing climate-resilient local bees with Italian bees, tripling output sustainably. In Côte d’Ivoire, companies supported through OCIF secured contracts with the national airline to supply locally produced teas and sweets, showcasing how the program helps businesses expand and integrate into larger value chains.

8. Research and Knowledge Sharing

The initiative invests in research to better understand and support the distinction between startups designed for rapid growth and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that prioritize steady, sustainable development. This insight informs tailored program designs that address the different needs of entrepreneurs, ensuring more effective support across various business models and growth trajectories.

9. Mental Health and Well-being of Entrepreneurs

Recognizing entrepreneurship's challenges, Orange Corners also addresses the mental health and well-being of young entrepreneurs. Programs include workshops and expert sessions offering strategies to manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This holistic approach contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of entrepreneurship ventures.

10. Partnerships and Collaborative Approach

Orange Corners collaborates with a broad range of partners, including government bodies, universities, NGOs, corporate entities, and international organizations. This multi-stakeholder approach enhances the entrepreneurial ecosystem by pooling resources and expertise. Events such as expos, pitch competitions, and networking sessions foster vibrant communities that nurture innovation and sustained economic growth.

Conclusion

Orange Corners represents a comprehensive, strategic effort to ignite youth entrepreneurship across diverse regions facing social and economic challenges. By combining training, funding, mentorship, and community-building, the initiative empowers young innovators to develop businesses that not only achieve growth but also contribute positively to their societies. As Orange Corners continues to expand and evolve, it stands as a vital catalyst for inclusive development, raising the prospect that tomorrow’s leaders will emerge stronger from these vibrant entrepreneurial hubs. How will these young visionaries shape the future of global sustainable development?