Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Sahara Group Foundation has repositioned its Making A Difference Around Africa, MADAA, initiative to support entrepreneurs on the continent with seamless access to markets, technology, and business advisory services.
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.
Speaking during the launch of MADAA Reloaded, Chidilim Menakaya, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, stated: “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.
“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.”
Menakaya noted that the initial MADAA application cycle unveiled a remarkable depth of entrepreneurial talent across Africa.
“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.
Following MADAA Reloaded, Sahara Group Foundation is committed to ensuring that successful participants are positioned for long-term success through visibility, mentorship, and access to other initiatives of the Foundation 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.
Through MADAA Reloaded, the Sahara Group Foundation reaffirms its commitment to building sustainable communities by empowering EXTRApreneurs, bold, impact-driven thinkers who are not only transforming their own lives but also shaping Africa’s future.
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.
