If you’re a young African changemaker with a bold idea that tackles social, economic, or environmental challenges, the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) could be your launchpad.
Launched in 2020 by the Sahara Group Foundation, in partnership with LEAP Africa and the Impact Investment Foundation, SIF is designed to give innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs the skills, resources, and networks they need to grow sustainable businesses that drive measurable social impact in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The fellowship doesn’t just hand you funding – it’s a comprehensive accelerator programme that blends mentorship, business advisory, and targeted grant capital to help you move from idea to impactful enterprise.
Why the Sahara Impact Fund Stands Out
- Generous Grants – Up to $30,000 in seed funding for outstanding fellows who complete the programme.
- Skills & Tools – Practical business advisory, go-to-market support, and legal guidance to protect your ideas.
- Strong Networks – Access to a continent-wide community of innovators, partners, and investors.
- Tailored Mentorship – Guidance from subject matter experts who’ve built and scaled impact-driven ventures.
- Sustainability Focus – All milestones and funding are tied to measurable impact, scalability, and long-term viability.
Henry Arnhold Fellowship 2026 for Entrepreneurial Leaders
Track Record & Vision
In its third cohort, SIF awarded $5,000 each to ten high-impact fellows, plus additional funding for those meeting growth and sustainability targets.
Now heading into its fourth cohort, the programme is raising the stakes, offering up to $30,000 in funding and access to a $200,000 shared fund pool for top performers. The vision? To build a pipeline of African social entrepreneurs capable of transforming their communities and scaling across the continent.
Programme Overview
The Sahara Impact Fund is a hybrid accelerator that:
- Identifies high-potential African social enterprises.
- Equips them for investment readiness and long-term growth.
- Provides strategic grant capital alongside expert mentorship.
- Links participants to sustainable funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Core Objectives
- Support Innovative Social Entrepreneurs – Provide funding and advisory support to address urgent local and global challenges.
- Promote Sustainable Development – Align ventures with the SDGs to ensure lasting positive change.
- Foster Youth-Led Innovation – Create a space for peer learning, mentorship, and cross-border collaboration.
- Build Strong Partnerships – Engage private sector, government, and community stakeholders.
- Institutionalise Social Impact Thinking – Inspire a culture of sustainability in business and community development.
- Accelerate Impact through Capacity Building – Offer targeted mentorship and operational guidance.
Selection Criteria
Your solution will be evaluated on:
- Relevance – The urgency and importance of the problem you’re solving.
- Innovation – Novelty or a unique improvement to an existing solution.
- Impact – Depth and breadth of social or environmental benefit.
- Scalability – Potential to expand and replicate in new markets.
- Profitability – Commercial viability alongside social impact.
Fellowship Timeline
- 1 July 2025 – Applications Open
- 1 July – 31 August 2025 – Submission Period
- 1 – 13 September 2025 – Screening
- 27 September 2025 – Announcement of Successful EXTRApreneurs
- 29 Sept – 10 Oct 2025 – Field Visits to Fellows
- 24 October 2025 – Final Fellow Announcement
- 3 – 16 November 2025 – MADAA Advisory Bootcamp
- 20 November 2025 – Close-Out Event
Apply for the 2025 MTN Cloud Accelerator Program for African Startups
What Fellows Receive
- Up to $30,000 Grant
- Go-to-Market Support
- Legal & IP Support
- Business Advisory Services
- Brand Management Assistance
The total value of this support exceeds $100 million in resources, connections, and expertise – designed to help you build, scale, and sustain your business.
How to Apply
- Prepare your business plan, supporting documents, and proof of concept.
- Visit the Sahara Group Foundation’s official application page starting 1 July 2025.
- Submit your entry before 31 August 2025.
- Await shortlisting and further evaluation.
The Sahara Impact Fund is more than a grant programme; it’s a launchpad for African innovators ready to change the world. If you have a bold idea and the drive to see it through, this is your chance to join a network of game-changers shaping Africa’s future.
APPLY FOR SAHARA IMPACT FUND
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
