Boost for African Innovators: Sahara Group Foundation Pumps $130,000 into 20 Trailblazing Startups

In a vibrant celebration of ingenuity and grit, the Sahara Group Foundation has handed out more than $130,000 in grants to 20 standout African entrepreneurs, dubbing them "EXTRApreneurs" for their extraordinary flair.

Chidilim Menakaya, the foundation's director, shared the exciting news at a lively awards gala, where she highlighted how the organization has spent almost two decades fueling positive change across the continent. From sparking business ventures to championing eco-friendly practices, innovation, and uplifting local communities, the foundation's efforts have left a lasting mark.

This year's revamped Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) and MADAA programs drew from lessons learned in past rounds, zeroing in on a key challenge: the tough jump from fresh ideas to real-world success in Africa's bustling markets. "We've synced up MADAA and SIF to craft a smooth pathway for innovation," Menakaya explained. "It's all about knocking down hurdles, ramping up skills, and making sure these projects thrive long after the funding ends."

She went on to stress the beauty of this fresh setup. "Think of it as sealing the deal from spark to scale. We're scouting out bold visionaries, arming them with essential tools, and paving clear roads to create solutions that truly shift lives in their neighborhoods. In the end, it's about giving these EXTRApreneurs a rock-solid plan to make waves that last."

David Ayinde, who oversees the programs, chimed in on the deeper strategy. "Handing out cash is just the start," he said. "We've layered in top-notch training and guidance on everything from smart business moves and money management to strong governance and getting ready to expand across borders. Our goal? Help these innovators grow their ideas into forces that reshape African economies."

Kola Adesina, an executive director at Sahara Group, fired up the crowd with a call to action. Urging the winners to lean into toughness, focus, and fresh thinking, he painted a picture of continent-wide breakthroughs. "Master these, and you'll not only transform lives here but build ventures that stand tall on the world stage," Adesina declared.

Ade Odunsi, another executive director, shed light on the fierce competition. Over 2,000 hopefuls from every corner of Africa threw their hats in the ring this cycle. After a grueling vetting, around 300 made the cut for hands-on workshops led by Sahara's own pros. Topics ranged from plotting business growth and eco-smart tactics to nailing regulations, crafting killer brands, juggling partners, and sorting out the legal, financial, and tax side of things.

The top 20 then dove into a high-energy Business Advisory Bootcamp and the Sahara M.A.D Den, emerging with seed money to supercharge their dreams.

Among the big winners snagging $10,000 each are Chinwendu Augustina Nweke of Nigeria's Bridge Merchant Enterprise, Uganda's Elvis Kadhama with Essymart Africa Business Link Limited, Ghana's Violet Awo Amoabeng of Skin Gourmet, Kenya's Tracey Shiundu running FunKe Science, Egypt's Salma Medhat at Hiryo, Ghana's Anita Nsiah Donkor of Timoya Farms, Ethiopia's Sisay Abebe from KMS ETH Health Trading S.C., Botswana's Kedumetse Liphi of Ked-LiphiBw, South Africa's Ernest Mongezi Majenge with The Wheelchair Doctor, and Uganda's Joan Rukundo Nalubega of Uganics Repellents Ltd.

Scooping up $5,000 grants are Nigeria's Eunice Adewale of Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions, Henry Danwawo Lamba from Schrödinger Technologie Ltd., and Johnson Obute of Maximus Recycling Solutions; Ghana's Abraham Ugbenja Iborchan with PureLube Limited; and Kenya's Brian Okeyo of Nawiri Organics.

Rounding out the list with $1,000 boosts are Nigeria's Jide Ayegbusi of EdGo Technology Ltd., Uganda's David Ssembajjwe from Camelot Agroecology Farm Ltd., Mojola Ola with Gridcrux Energy Solutions, Abiodun Quadri of Zerosmoke Ventures, and Fasanya Samuel Akinpelumi of Poshfil Polish Products Ltd.

This infusion of support spotlights Africa's buzzing talent pool and signals a bright path ahead for homegrown solutions tackling everything from health and farming to clean energy and beyond.