Sahara foundation restates commitment to African entrepreneurs
The Sahara Group Foundation has repositioned the Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) initiative to support entrepreneurs on the continent with seamless access to markets, technology and business advisory services. “Through the MADAA initiative, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities that will grow their businesses and ultimately unlock Africa’s potential for inclusive development,” Chidilim […]
The Sahara Group Foundation has repositioned the Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) initiative to support entrepreneurs on the continent with seamless access to markets, technology and business advisory services.
“Through the MADAA initiative, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities that will grow their businesses and ultimately unlock Africa’s potential for inclusive development,” Chidilim Menakaya, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, said during the launch of MADAA Reloaded.
As a flagship initiative of the Sahara Group Foundation’s dynamic and bold EXTRApreneurship model, MADAA Reloaded aims to discover visionary entrepreneurs who harness local and natural resources to address everyday challenges.
By focusing on sustainable practices, we empower entrepreneurs to create businesses that not only thrive but also contribute to the protection and preservation of Africa’s natural environment. MADAA provides these innovators with the tools, networks, and funding necessary to transform their ideas into scalable, impact-driven enterprises.
“The initial MADAA application cycle unveiled a remarkable depth of entrepreneurial talent across Africa,” Menakaya noted.
“Although we were inspired by the strong interest, it became evident that we needed to broaden our scope and criteria to reach even more extraordinary individuals whose innovations can truly transform their communities.
“MADAA Reloaded represents our renewed commitment to discovering, empowering and celebrating these changemakers,” she added.
Applications for MADAA Reloaded remain open until May 31, 2025, offering selected entrepreneurs access to expert mentorship, tailored business advisory services, and vital exposure to help them thrive in today’s competitive environment.
Shortlisting will commence in June 2025, with the programme set to launch in the third quarter of the year, Sahara Group said.
At the MADAA Reloaded event held in Lagos, board chairman of the foundation, Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, rtd, who joined the event virtually, challenged the youth to come up with innovative ideas that could change the world.
He said the foundation is ready to support them financially and otherwise to transform their ideas into reality.
The keynote address speaker, Dr Adetoun Akitoye, highlighted the challenges faced by grassroots innovators to include perception, policy, profitability, protection and partnership.
She said the private sector has a role to play in providing empowerment that helps to transform ideas into marketable products.
Following MADAA Reloaded, Sahara Foundation said it is committed to ensuring that successful participants are positioned for long-term success through visibility, mentorship, and access to other initiatives like the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF), which will provide additional capital to scale their ventures.
“By connecting them with a broader network of investors, business leaders, and strategic partners, MADAA creates pathways that allow these entrepreneurs to scale their impact, leading to lasting social and economic change,” the foundation added.