From the Sahara Group Foundation Director’s Desk!
At Sahara Group Foundation, our mission is to empower communities, drive sustainable impact, and create a better future for all, transforming lives and livelihoods, one community at a time.
This commitment has fuelled our evolution beyond expanding energy access and promoting environmental sustainability to a refined strategy centred on building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.
We have strengthened our dedication to social development by championing initiatives that advance community and environmental sustainability, with a focus on four major projects that drive lasting impact.
Making a Difference Around Africa (MADAA)
The Making a Difference Around Africa (MADAA) project is a Sahara Group Foundation initiative designed to spotlight, support and provide business advisory services to innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and researchers across Africa who have developed proven and tested products or solutions to everyday problems using LOCAL and NATURAL RESOURCES to create impactful businesses in their communities. The MADAA project aligns with our mission to drive sustainable development by empowering grassroots innovation, strengthening community-based enterprises, and promoting environmentally conscious business practices.
Launched last year with over 550 submissions, in the pilot phase we have worked closely with our volunteers and Jurors to vet and run the due diligence process to ensure that only viable businesses are selected to participate in our business advisory boot camp. We are poised to launch MADAA Reloaded which is an aggressive campaign that ensures more innovators and entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to benefit from the MADAA experience. The MADDA reloaded not only gives an opportunity to entrepreneurs, innovators, etc. But also, an opportunity for Saharaians to continue to refer MADAA potentials to us; So, refer, refer, refer!!!
Our focus will be on expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, deepening our sustainability programs, and leveraging strategic collaborations for more sustainable impact. This will mark the grand finale of MADAA Reloaded with finalist announcements, advisory sessions, and a closeout event.
Sahara Go Recycling
We’ve reached a significant milestone in the Sahara Go Recycling project with the launch of our 12th Go Recycling Hub in Lagos, bringing the total number of recycling exchange hubs to 13 across the city. From Lagos Island to Agege, Oworonshoki, Onigbongbo, and beyond, there’s a Go Recycling Hub near you – making it easier than ever to join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future! ♻️
As our mantra goes, the job isn’t done until it’s done! Next up, we’re taking the Go Recycling Project even further with the launch of more hubs – not just in Lagos, but beyond. FCT and Port Harcourt, get ready – we’re coming to you! 🚀
Sahara Impact Fund (SIF)
The Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) is a restructured spin-off of the Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) project, designed to identify and empower social innovators and changemakers. Through seed funding, SIF provides the critical support needed to build and scale sustainable businesses, driving lasting positive transformation across the continent.
Sahara Community Impact Project (SCIP)
The Sahara Community Impact Project (SCIP) is designed to establish business hubs within communities by leveraging their unique economic strengths. This initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, empower local businesses, and develop specialised regional hubs with export potential, driving sustainable economic growth.
Our progress is made possible by the unwavering support of our dedicated business leaders, who ensure the Foundation is well-funded, and our incredible volunteers – the EXTRAGang – who bring passion and commitment to every initiative.
We remain committed to making a lasting impact, which can only be achieved with ALL SAHARIANS being invested in the mandate of the Sahara Group Foundation.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
Stay EXTRA,
Chidilim Menakaya,
Director,
Sahara Group Foundation.
