Seedstars and the SANAD Fund for MSME have officially launched the SANAD ElevateHer Program, a new accelerator for women-led startups and gender-inclusive ventures across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The initiative aims to help close the $42 billion regional funding gap by providing founders with tailored capacity building, investment readiness support, and investor connections.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Accelerator Program
- For: Early to growth-stage women-led or gender-lens startups
- Key Benefits: Tailored mentorship, investment readiness support, access to 500+ investors, and enhanced visibility.
- Application Deadline: November 26, 2025
- Eligible Regions: Select countries in MENA & Sub-Saharan Africa (see criteria)
Accelerator Program Overview
The SANAD ElevateHer Program is a women-focused accelerator supporting entrepreneurs in MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa. The program is designed to help female founders unlock financial access, strengthen their investment readiness, and scale their impact-driven businesses. Participants will receive training, tools, and practical mentorship to drive gender-inclusive innovation, backed by Seedstars’ global expertise and powered by its proprietary SMART™ Methodology and SIGMA™ tool.
Key Benefits
- Tailored Capacity Building & Mentorship: Receive workshops and one-on-one guidance to refine your business model based on your specific needs.
- Investor & Partner Access: Get connected to a curated network of over 500 investors, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners across MENA & SSA.
- Access to the SIGMA™ Platform: Utilize Seedstars’ proprietary technology platform to track growth, test business models, and measure impact with data-driven tools.
- Impact Measurement & Gender-Lens Integration: Receive training and resources to design inclusive products, integrate gender KPIs, and scale gender-equitable innovation.
- Visibility & Storytelling: Be featured in case studies, media showcases, and Seedstars channels to highlight your journey and impact.
- Regional & Global Exposure: Gain opportunities to pitch at regional competitions, gain recognition, and expand your network.
Eligibility Criteria
- Founder Profile: Must be a women-led startup (at least one woman on the founding team) or a startup with a strong gender lens (e.g., women in leadership, women as core customers, or meets 2X criteria).
- Stage: Early to growth stage, with a minimum prototype or MVP. Traction and revenue are a plus.
- Revenue: Annual revenue must be $1M USD or less.
- Sectors: Must be an impact-driven solution in areas such as finance, agriculture, food systems, climate, sustainability, or adjacent sectors enhancing livelihoods and inclusion.
- Model: Must be a for-profit, tech-enabled business (traditional businesses with a strong digital edge are eligible).
- Geography: Must be based in one of the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, or Yemen.
How to Apply
Interested founders can apply online through the official program website. The deadline for applications is November 26, 2025.
Apply Here: https://sanad.seedstars.com/
About Seedstars and the SANAD Fund for MSME
- Seedstars is a global organization founded in 2012 with a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging markets by backing entrepreneurs with know-how, community, and capital.
- The SANAD Fund for MSME, through its Advisory & Capacity Building arm, supports entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and resilience in the Middle East and Africa, with a special focus on women and youth.
Learn More: Sanad
