The Sahara Group Foundation has launched the Sahara Community Impact Project (SCIP), an initiative aimed at boosting economic transformation through community-driven entrepreneurship. The project will establish business hubs in local communities to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and build resilient value chains.
“At Sahara Group Foundation, we define impact as the ability to drive real, sustainable transformation in the lives of individuals and the communities we serve. SCIP embodies this vision by creating business hubs that not only empower local entrepreneurs but also propel economic resilience and innovation across Africa,” said Chidilim Menakaya, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, describing the organisation as the social impact arm of Sahara Group, a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate.
Menakaya explained that the community business hubs will leverage local economic niches to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen small businesses.
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, added, “SCIP is more than a project; it is a commitment to building sustainable communities through capacity building, job creation, and strategic partnerships. By reducing resource waste and improving production efficiency, Sahara is laying the foundation for a future where communities can compete globally while preserving local identity.”
The initiative will be piloted in Nigeria and is designed to be scalable across Africa, setting a benchmark for corporate social investment. SCIP will officially open for applications from communities and entrepreneurs in January 2026 via Sahara Group Foundation’s official channels. Selected participants will undergo training and mentorship to strengthen their business models.
The community business hubs will provide shared processing and production facilities to reduce costs, improve product quality, and offer training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, branding, and digital skills. They will also enhance market access through collective visibility and structured value chains while improving access to financing through partnerships with financial institutions.
Through SCIP, Sahara Group Foundation aims to create sustainable economic impact by equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and support necessary to thrive, strengthening communities while driving inclusive growth across Africa.
