Sasol, the international integrated energy and chemical company, today announced its support for Enterprise Qatar’s Al Fikra initiative as technology partner of the 2013 National Business Plan Competition. In its third year, Al Fikra is an initiative of Enterprise Qatar, an organization established to support Qatar’s goal of economic diversification by developing an ecosystem for SMEs and startups. The winners of the competition will be announced on the 25th of April during a final awards ceremony at Katara.

The Al-Fikra National Business Plan Competition is designed to encourage the establishment of new companies and foster a culture of entrepreneurship in Qatar. In 2012 the competition attracted 232 applicants.

Marjo Louw, President of Sasol Qatar said, “Sasol is pleased to support Enterprise Qatar and the Al Fikra competition for the first time as technology partner. Sasol has significant experience in the field of SME development in South Africa in the chemical, energy and related sectors. Sasol understands the importance of developing a thriving small and medium enterprise cluster in the State of Qatar in support of the human and economic development pillars of the National Vision 2030 as well as providing a platform for new innovation in our industry.”

As Technology Sponsor, Sasol will contribute to the Al Fikra winners by offering applied knowledge and technology expertise to help in their future endeavors.

The Al Fikra business plan competition was open to entrants residing in Qatar in two categories - students and professionals - between January 23rd and March 24th. Entries were judged on several parameters including strength of the business idea and financial viability. Shortlisted teams chosen from among the pool of submissions then went on to present their business ideas to a panel of Al Fikra judges.

Based on the final presentation score, the first, second and third place winners chosen from each category will be awarded prize money of QAR 50,000, QAR 30,000, and QAR 20,000 respectively.

Enterprise Qatar, creator of the competition, provides a wide range of business support services to start-ups and SMEs, developing them as the seeds of innovation that help drive the introduction of new technologies. Academic and commercial partners provide support to the initiative through sponsorship and knowledge capital.

Ends

Issued by:

Jack Saba, Corporate Affairs Manager, Sasol Qatar
Direct telephone +974 4499 9505; Mobile +974 5510 4880;
jack.saba@sasol.com

For Sasol Limited:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;
alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;
jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com