The Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) is designed to empower young African changemakers, innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs with the right support, a growth-oriented mindset, and the necessary tools to establish and scale sustainable businesses, all geared towards attaining the SDGs in a manner that results in measurable social impact.
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When is the Application Deadline:
31 August 2025
🏆 Tell Me About The Award:
The Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) is a transformative fellowship and hybrid accelerator program created by the Sahara Group Foundation in partnership with LEAP Africa and Impact Investment Foundation. Now in its 4th cohort, the program equips young African changemakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with funding (up to $30,000), mentorship, and tools to scale impactful, sustainable businesses that address pressing community challenges and drive the UN SDGs.
🎓 Which Fields are Eligible?
Any field is welcome as long as the applicant’s venture or solution:
✅ Tackles social, economic, or environmental problems
✅ Demonstrates relevance, innovation, and potential for impact and scalability
✅ Aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs)
📌 Type:
Fellowship + Hybrid Accelerator + Grant Funding
👤 Who can Apply?
Young African changemakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and inventors working on early- or growth-stage social enterprises focused on community transformation.
🧠 How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Relevance of the problem solved
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Impact depth and breadth
- Scalability across regions
- Profitability and commercial viability
Screening, bootcamps, mentorship, and pitch events will follow, with top fellows selected after rigorous evaluation.
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
All African countries
📍 Where will the Award be Taken?
Primarily online/virtual, with some in-person engagements for selected fellows, including mentoring bootcamps and business advisory support.
🔢 How Many Awards?
At least 10 fellows, with access to $200,000 in total funding.
Top fellows will receive up to $30,000 each based on performance and impact.
💰 What is the Benefit of the Award?
✔️ Up to $30,000 grant funding
✔️ Access to a $200,000 funding pool
✔️ Tailored business advisory & mentorship
✔️ Legal & IP support
✔️ Go-to-market strategy support
✔️ Brand and visibility support
✔️ Membership in an elite network of African innovators
✔️ Value package worth over $100,000
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
The fellowship lasts three months, with ongoing support, funding, and advisory engagements.
📝 How to Apply:
Apply online by filling out the application form between 1 July – 31 August 2025.
🔗 👉 Click Here to Apply (official webpage)