Seedstars, a Swiss-based venture capital firm and ecosystem builder focused on emerging markets, has partnered with the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) to introduce the SANAD Elevate Her Programme—a multi-phase initiative designed to accelerate female-led and 2X-aligned startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
About the Partners
- Seedstars operates in over 90 markets worldwide, driving impact through entrepreneurship support, ecosystem development, and investment. Its programs deliver training, mentorship, and funding to thousands of startups globally.
- SANAD TAF focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and resilience in the Middle East and Africa, with a strong emphasis on women and youth inclusion.
Why Elevate Her? Addressing a $42 Billion Gap
Women entrepreneurs in these regions face a staggering $42 billion funding gap, compounded by:
- Climate shocks
- Limited access to finance and markets
- Household responsibilities that restrict business growth
The SANAD Elevate Her Programme aims to close this gap by equipping female-led startups with capital, networks, and tailored business support to scale successfully.
Programme Highlights
- Targets 40 high-potential, innovative female-led startups aligned with the 2X Challenge criteria.
- Offers structured acceleration, investment-readiness activities, and customized business support.
- Focuses on job creation, economic resilience, and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across participating markets.
Eligibility and Priority Sectors
Startups must operate in one of the following countries:
Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Yemen.
Priority sectors include:
- Sustainability
- Agrifinance
- Fintech
These areas are critical for regional development and advancing women’s economic inclusion.
Applications are now open here.
