Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Group, has highlighted Nigeria’s significant energy deficit, emphasizing the nation’s backwardness in the amount of energy provided to its citizens. This stark assessment was delivered during the relaunch of Sahara Group’s “Making A Difference Around Africa” (MADAA) initiative in Lagos. MADAA is a program designed to empower African entrepreneurs by providing access to markets, technology, and business advisory services. Adesina appealed to Nigerians to support Sahara Group’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a global energy hub, serving not only Africa but the entire world. This call to action underscores the critical role of energy in national development and the urgent need to address Nigeria’s energy challenges. He framed this ambitious goal as a collective effort, urging collaborative action to shape a future where Nigeria plays a leading role in the global energy landscape.
Central to the MADAA Reloaded initiative is the recognition of invention and innovation as drivers of progress. Adesina addressed inventors and researchers, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the future. He emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting innovators and transforming their research into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. This commitment reflects Sahara Group’s understanding that innovation is not merely about generating ideas but about translating those ideas into practical applications that benefit society. The focus on bridging the gap between innovation and industry underscores the importance of collaboration between researchers, businesses, and investors to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation.
Sahara Group’s approach goes beyond simply admiring creativity; it actively seeks to partner with innovators, providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Adesina emphasized the company’s dedication to providing strategic partnerships, market access, and capital to support promising innovations. This comprehensive support system aims to nurture and accelerate the development of innovative solutions, recognizing that financial backing and market access are crucial for transforming research into viable businesses. By fostering these partnerships, Sahara Group aims to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and enhance global competitiveness, not just for Nigeria but for the entire continent.
Echoing Adesina’s sentiments, Emeka Onwuamaegbu, Chairman of Sahara Group Foundation, highlighted the abundance of talented young people in Nigeria and across Africa who possess innovative ideas but often lack the opportunity to showcase their potential. The Foundation aims to bridge this gap by partnering with these individuals and providing them with the platform and resources to develop their ideas into impactful solutions. This emphasis on youth empowerment reflects a recognition of the vital role young people play in driving innovation and shaping the future of the continent. He called for a shift towards more innovative and sustainable ideas, moving beyond existing initiatives and embracing novel approaches to address pressing challenges.
Onwuamaegbu specifically encouraged the youth to focus on sustainability-driven innovations. While acknowledging past initiatives that utilized recycled materials like used tires and water hyacinth, he emphasized the need for fresh, innovative ideas that address sustainability challenges in new ways. This focus on sustainability aligns with global trends and recognizes the importance of developing environmentally conscious solutions for long-term growth and development. He extended the challenge beyond Nigeria’s borders, inviting youth from all 54 African countries to participate in this initiative.
The MADAA Reloaded initiative represents a significant commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. By providing access to markets, technology, business advisory services, and capital, Sahara Group aims to create an enabling environment for African innovators to thrive. The emphasis on sustainability and the inclusion of youth from across the continent further strengthens the program’s potential to drive positive change and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa. The program’s pan-African scope underscores its ambition to stimulate innovation throughout the continent, leveraging the diverse talents and perspectives of young Africans. Ultimately, MADAA Reloaded seeks to empower African innovators to develop solutions that address local challenges while contributing to global advancements.
