The SANAD Fund for MSME, in collaboration with Seedstars, has launched the “SANAD ElevateHer Program”, a targeted accelerator programme for early- and growth-stage women-led or gender-inclusive startups operating in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regions.
The initiative seeks to strengthen women-entrepreneurship ecosystems by providing capacity building, mentorship, investor readiness training and access to networks of partners and capital.
Key details:
- Eligible ventures are those led by women or with a strong gender-lens component, operating in MENA and SSA.
- The application deadline is 26 November 2025.
- The programme is open to startups at early to growth stages, with traction or MVPs, and typically for-profit, tech-enabled ventures.
- The offering includes tailored workshops, personalised coaching, investor connections and regional exposure.
The SANAD Fund, based in Luxembourg and dedicated to MSMEs in emerging markets, has historically prioritised gender-inclusive initiatives in MENA and SSA. Its strategic alliance with Seedstars, known for its accelerator and investment work in emerging markets, underpins the programme’s design and delivery.
For women entrepreneurs in Africa, this accelerator represents an opportunity to acquire structured support that addresses common barriers—such as access to finance, networks and scaling know-how—that continue to constrain growth. The deadline being imminent means interested startups should prepare quickly.
What to watch:
• The number and diversity of African startups selected, and which countries dominate the cohort.
• The nature of investor linkages generated and whether follow-on funding materialises.
• The programme’s ability to scale participants beyond regional markets and support growth of measurable outcomes.
• How the gender-lens focus translates into measurable inclusion outcomes (women founders, women employees, women customers).
The application deadline is 26 November 2025.
To apply or for more information, visit the website.
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