Premature closing of Orange Corners Algeria training programme

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the premature closing of the Orange Corners Algeria training programme that has been implemented by Algerian startup accelerator Sylabs since January 2024.

The Orange Corners Algeria training programme was foreseen to run until the end of 2028. However, during the first 18 months of implementation, we noted a strong difference in vision regarding the implementation of the programme between the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Orange Corners HQ team on the one hand and the leadership team of Sylabs on the other. In addition, we concluded that specific conditions attached to the grant provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands for this project were not all being met to a satisfactory extent.

We express our gratitude to committed members of the Sylabs’ team for the 18 months of implementation. During this period, Orange Corners Algeria supported 29 businesses that in turn supported 145 jobs, reflecting a real and valuable contribution to the Algerian economy. We would also like to thank the sponsors of the programme, Unilever, Diam Grain and AFC Recyclage, and we would like to the partners Bellat, Emploitic, Ouedkniss, Hivedigit, Releasin’, HIS University, Diallas Studio, for their valuable financial and/or in-kind support to the programme. Lastly, we would like to show our appreciation for the entrepreneurs who participated in the programme and look forward to continue to work with them as part of the global Orange Corners alumni community.

The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) that was recently launched with the Algeria Startup Fund (ASF) will continue as normal as possible. However, since the access to finance programme was meant to be complimentary to the training programme, we welcome introductions from other impactful entrepreneurial support initiatives in Algeria that could benefit from additional access to finance. Meanwhile, we will consider options to launch a new training programme in the future again.

We hope for everyone’s understanding during this transition phase.