Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social sustainability arm of Sahara Group, has provided seed funding of up to $50,000 to empower ten young social innovators from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and other African countries. These individuals were selected from a group of 20 innovators who completed a rigorous six-month fellowship in the third edition of the Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship program.
The top ten awardees have each received $5,000 in seed funding to support the growth of their socially impactful businesses. Among the recipients are Paul Nnaluo from Gas Monkey (Nigeria), Kehinde Fashola from Fizzle Power Tech Limited (Nigeria), Muideen Adegoke from DigitAgric Integrated Limited (Nigeria), Andrew Mpashi from Twalima Agro Solutions Limited (Zambia), and Philipo Kitungano from Kigoma Eco-cultural Tourism Enterprise (Tanzania).
Others include Ainomugisha Shifra from SOLAFAM Uganda (Uganda), Joyce Rugano from EcoRich Solutions (Kenya), Muofhe Ratshikombo from Oumie’s Grandè (South Africa), Timothy Munthali from Tawonga Cooking Oil Processing Enterprise (Malawi), and Jolis Nduwimana from WEGE Company (Burundi).
During the program’s closing ceremony, Ms. Ejiro Gray, the Director of Sahara Group Foundation, praised the fellows for their dedication and resilience. She emphasized that the Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship Program aims to promote Africa’s development by identifying and supporting young, creative social innovators working to create sustainable environments and bridge the energy gap on the continent.
Ms. Kehinde Ayeni, the Executive Director for LEAP Africa, encouraged the beneficiaries to persist in their commitment to innovation and social progress. She highlighted that the investment in their growth by Sahara Group Foundation and LEAP Africa reflects confidence in their potential and the ability of their ideas to contribute to Africa’s development.
Paul Nnaluo, on behalf of the graduating fellows, expressed gratitude to Sahara Group Foundation and LEAP Africa for the valuable learning experience. He pledged to use the knowledge and skills gained during the fellowship for meaningful change.
The Sahara Impact Fund Fellowship program, launched in 2020, has provided direct support to over 50 African social innovators.
Source: Business Post