Financial Energy Review
Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, Head of Programs, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, Executive Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adesina and Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray at the launch of the Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, social innovators and researchers, among ideas to transform and scale their ideas and businesses.
…….by Ben Ndubuwa…….
Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact arm of the company, has officially launched the “Making A Difference Around Africa” (MADAA) initiative to empower African entrepreneurs and foster local innovation across the continent.
Speaking at the unveiling event on Friday in Lagos, Chidilim Menakaya, Head of Programs at Sahara Group Foundation, outlined the initiative’s focus on providing sustainable economic opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs with groundbreaking business ideas.
Menakaya highlighted that MADAA aligns with Sahara Group’s transformative Extrapreneurship model, designed to promote sustainable economic growth by cultivating local talent and innovation.
The event was attended by corporate stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and media representatives.
“MADAA is a strategic platform created by Sahara Group Foundation to identify and support entrepreneurs and social innovators on the brink of success,” said Menakaya.
“This initiative offers essential resources to help scale novel ideas and small businesses to new heights.”
She emphasised that MADAA reflects Sahara Group Foundation’s dedication to building sustainable communities through Extrapreneurship.
“As the first in a series of social programs, MADAA aims to foster sustainable development across Africa by empowering entrepreneurs whose exceptional ideas can transform the continent’s economy.
“Applications for MADAA are open until the end of November 2024.
” Selected participants will gain access to significant resources, including leadership development opportunities, positioning them as leaders in their respective industries.
“We are looking for entrepreneurs with extraordinary ideas who can harness local resources to build sustainable businesses.
” Those ready to grow their ventures can apply at www.saharagroupfoundation.org,” Menakaya encouraged.
She said that the selection process begins in December, with chosen participants entering the program in the first quarter of 2025.
She added that MADAA beneficiaries will receive a suite of resources, including $100 million in financial and investment support, along with mentorship from industry experts.
“The launch of MADAA underscores Sahara Group Foundation’s commitment to inclusive, collaborative partnerships that strengthen the Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) sector across Africa.
“MADAA is committed to supporting African innovation to succeed and thrive sustainably, building a network of partners devoted to reshaping the continent’s economic future,” Menakaya concluded.
