Sasol, the international integrated chemicals and energy company, has announced its support for the Al Fikra National Business Competition for the fourth year in a row.
Organised by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and its partners, Al Fikra, now in its fifth year, is intended to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship in Qatar. 
Sasol previously supported the 2013 and 2014 editions of the Al Fikra competition as technology sponsor and platinum sponsor, respectively. In 2015, the company elevated its support to become the main sponsor.
Registration for the competition began last month, with training workshops set to take place for entrepreneurs through September and October. The final business plans are due in October, and the final ceremony announcing the winner takes place in December. 
Henk Joubert, operations manager or GTL Ventures, Sasol, said: “Sasol is pleased to once again support QDB as the main sponsor of Al Fikra. We admire this competition because it takes a holistic view to the entrepreneurship ecosystem – providing financial and non-financial support and benefits to participants.”
The Al Fikra business competition was designed by QDB to support innovative business ideas in Qatar and provide investors with a way to contribute to a vibrant economy. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Al Fikra supports the diversification of Qatar’s economy away from a hydrocarbon-based to a knowledge-based economy.
In a statement, Sasol said its sponsorship to Al Fikra was in line with the company’s community engagement efforts in Qatar and its long-term entrepreneurship and SME support in its home country, South Africa.\