Apply Now: Sahara Impact Fund Offers Up to $30,000 in Grants and Business Support for African Innovators

Young African entrepreneurs with innovative, impact-driven solutions now have the opportunity to access up to $30,000 in grant funding, mentorship, legal support, and business advisory through the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) — an initiative aimed at building sustainable businesses and scaling social impact across the continent.

Launched in 2020, the Sahara Impact Fund is a flagship program of the Sahara Group Foundation in collaboration with LEAP Africa and the Impact Investment Foundation. It’s designed to support Africa’s next generation of changemakers — from inventors and social entrepreneurs to researchers and innovators — by equipping them with the tools, skills, and networks needed to grow scalable ventures aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What the Sahara Impact Fund Offers

The SIF is more than just a grant program — it’s a hybrid accelerator designed to nurture socially responsible businesses that tackle real challenges in African communities. Selected fellows receive a powerful support package that includes:

• Seed funding of up to $30,000 for top-performing fellows
• Business advisory and mentorship from industry experts
• Legal support including intellectual property and patent assistance
• Go-to-market strategy support
• Brand management guidance
• Access to a $200,000 funding pool for standout ideas
• Exposure to a network of ecosystem enablers, investors, and mentors

These resources collectively offer a value of over $100,000,000 in technical and operational support, positioning fellows to transform their ideas into successful, scalable enterprises.

Fellowship Structure and Grant Details

After a rigorous selection process, successful applicants will join a three-month intensive fellowship where they’ll work toward structured milestones around impact, scalability, and sustainability.

In its most recent cohort, the program awarded $5,000 each to 10 fellows at the end of a six-month journey. For the upcoming fourth cohort, the bar has been raised — fellows now stand a chance to secure up to $30,000, with incremental funding unlocked based on performance and measurable outcomes.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following five pillars:

1. Relevance – How urgent and important is the problem being solved?
2. Innovation – Is the solution groundbreaking or a significant improvement on existing methods?
3. Impact – What is the projected depth and breadth of the solution’s social impact?
4. Scalability – Can the idea be replicated or expanded across markets or regions?
5. Profitability – Is the venture commercially viable and financially sustainable?

Who Should Apply?

The Sahara Impact Fund is open to early-stage African entrepreneurs and innovators who are:

• Working on solutions that address community challenges in education, healthcare, environment, energy, agriculture, or similar sectors
• Passionate about building socially responsible enterprises
• Committed to scaling their impact and contributing to Africa’s development goals
• Ready to engage in a demanding but rewarding acceleration program

Whether you’re a startup founder, inventor, or social entrepreneur, this is an opportunity to gain strategic funding and support to bring your vision to life.

Application Deadline

August 31, 2025

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their documentation and submit their applications before the deadline to be considered for this highly competitive program.

👉 Click here to apply now