Call for Applications: Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) 4.0 for Young African Innovators | Up to $30,000 in Seed Funding
The Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) has officially launched its fourth edition (SIF 4.0)—a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering young African innovators who are developing scalable, sustainable, and high-impact businesses.
Spearheaded by the Sahara Group Foundation, the SIF program is a bold commitment to fostering social entrepreneurship and driving positive change across the African continent.
This unique platform provides participants with access to strategic funding, hands-on business development support, expert mentorship, and access to a vibrant network of changemakers and investors.
About the Program
Now in its fourth cohort, SIF 4.0 offers a comprehensive three-month fellowship designed to equip entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, and knowledge needed to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
Fellows who successfully complete the program and meet all performance milestones will receive seed funding of up to $30,000. In addition, participants will be eligible to compete for a share of an additional $200,000 in funding, awarded based on their performance during the program.
According to the Foundation, the program is rooted in measurable goals across impact, sustainability, and scalability, with clearly defined metrics to track progress and evaluate success.
“The Sahara Impact Fund is designed to equip Africa’s brightest changemakers with the tools, skills, and networks they need to grow and scale their enterprises,” said a spokesperson from the Sahara Group Foundation.
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Program Objectives
The SIF program seeks to:
- Support innovative social entrepreneurs solving critical challenges
- Promote sustainable development and responsible innovation
- Foster youth-led innovation, mentorship, and peer collaboration
- Build strong, resilient community partnerships
- Accelerate social impact through technical training and expert-led capacity building
- Institutionalize social impact thinking across industries and sectors
What You’ll Get
Participants selected for SIF 4.0 will gain access to a combined $100 million value in business support resources, including:
- Seed Grant of up to $30,000
- Go-to-Market Support
- Legal Support (e.g. intellectual property, patent advisory)
- Business Advisory Services
- Brand Management and Communication Strategy
- Networking and Peer Learning Opportunities
- Eligibility for $200,000 Competitive Funding Pool
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
- Problem Statement & Urgency: What problem does the solution address? Who is affected, and what are the risks of inaction?
- Innovation & Uniqueness: Is the solution novel or an improvement on an existing one? What makes it unique?
- Impact: What is the potential scale and depth of the solution’s impact?
- Scalability: Can the solution be replicated across different regions? Is there a clear market?
- Commercial Viability: Is the business model sustainable and profitable?
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Screening Period: 1 – 13 September 2025
- Announcement of Selected Fellows (EXTRApreneurs): 27 September 2025
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How to Apply
Young African changemakers with transformative ideas are encouraged to apply through the official SIF Application Portal.
Don’t miss this opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and global exposure that can take your business to the next level.
Apply here
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