Introduction
Hajar El Frougui, a young Moroccan innovator, has been honored by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in its prestigious youth competition, “Innovons aujourd’hui, créons l’avenir!” which translates to “Innovate today, create the future.” El Frougui’s groundbreaking project, Filteco, earned her recognition in the “Environment and Climate” category.
Innovative Water Filtration System
Filteco is a revolutionary water filtration system designed by El Frougui, utilizing clay and other natural materials to provide a sustainable and affordable solution for clean drinking water. This innovative approach not only addresses the urgent need for accessible clean water but also supports local artisans by incorporating traditional craftsmanship into the production process.
Recognition on International Youth Day
The OIF announced the competition winners on August 13, aligning with the celebration of International Youth Day. The competition, which attracted nearly 2,000 applications from 57 countries, aimed to spotlight young innovators aged 18 to 35 who are making significant contributions in various fields.
Rigorous Selection Process
The selection process for the competition was described by the OIF as “rigorous,” involving multiple stages of evaluation. After an initial eligibility analysis, a technical committee carefully evaluated each project, eventually narrowing the field to 25 shortlisted projects. From these, the final winners were selected, showcasing the high standards and competitive nature of the award.
Celebrating Global Youth Innovation
El Frougui was among a distinguished group of winners, each recognized for their contributions to different sectors. Other laureates included Claudel Charles from Haiti in the “Employment and Entrepreneurship” category, Liliane Flore Djuikouo Nkamga from Cameroon in “Education and Training,” Claire Seang from France in “Sport,” and Djibril Ndime Thiam from Senegal in “Culture and Digital.” Each winner will receive a €15,000 (over MAD 160,000) prize, along with personalized technical support to help bring their innovative projects to life.
The Mission of the Francophone Youth Competition
Launched in May to coincide with International Francophone Day, the competition was designed to identify and support French-language innovation projects that address social, economic, digital, and environmental challenges within the Francophone world. The initiative was inspired by the 2020 youth consultation “La Francophonie de l’avenir,” which encourages young people to become “agents of change” by fostering and supporting their innovative ideas.
