Seedstars, in partnership with the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility (TAF), has announced the launch of the SANAD Elevate Her Programme. This multi-phase initiative is designed to empower and accelerate the growth of female-led and 2X-aligned startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing a $42 Billion Funding Disparity
Women entrepreneurs in the target regions face significant barriers to growth, including a staggering US$42 billion funding gap. Beyond capital, these founders often contend with climate-related business challenges, limited access to new markets, and disproportionate household responsibilities.
The SANAD Elevate Her Programme aims to directly confront these constraints by providing a robust support system. The initiative will equip female-led ventures with the essential tools, professional networks, and access to capital required to scale their operations and deepen their impact.
A Multi-Phase Approach to Growth
The programme will select 40 high-potential startups that align with the 2X Challenge criteria for investment in women. These ventures will advance through three distinct phases designed to foster sustainable growth.
The first phase is a regional acceleration programme featuring comprehensive training and expert mentoring. This is followed by a competition and networking event, providing founders with a platform to engage directly with investors. Finally, a select group of participants will receive post-accelerator support, including advanced coaching and opportunities for potential follow-on funding.
A Strategic Partnership for Regional Impact
The collaboration leverages SANAD’s mission to promote entrepreneurship and economic resilience in the Middle East and Africa with Seedstars’ extensive global experience in supporting startups across more than 90 emerging markets. Participants will also gain access to SMART Methodology, powered by SIGMA, an AI-enabled platform offering real-time business support, tailored progress tracking, and impact measurement.
“Seedstars has worked with thousands of startups across emerging markets, and we know the immense potential of women-led businesses when given the right tools and access to capital,” said Sabrina Salama, Head of Partnership in MENA at Seedstars.
“Through this programme with SANAD, we’re bringing our global expertise and networks to support founders who are solving some of the most pressing challenges in their regions.”
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to startups based in Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, or Yemen. Priority will be given to ventures operating in the sustainability, agrifinance, and fintech sectors.
Applications are now open for female founders and women-led businesses across the eligible MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa countries. The deadline to apply is 26 November 2025.
About The SANAD Elevate Her Programme
The SANAD Elevate Her Programme is a specialized initiative by Seedstars and the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility. It is committed to closing the gender funding gap by providing female-led startups with access to finance, comprehensive capacity building, and investment-readiness support. The programme focuses on creating jobs, fostering economic resilience, and strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
