Four Kenya-linked startups have been selected for the next phase of SANAD ElevateHer, a programme supporting businesses across Africa and the Middle East with further coaching and investment-readiness support.
Riziki Nature Based Solutions Limited, Soko Kijiji, VunaPay Solutions Limited and Wavu are among 22 startups selected following pitches at Techne Summit Alexandria in Egypt on October 3, 2026. The businesses will receive tailored guidance to strengthen their operations, attract investment, develop partnerships and prepare for growth.
The four startups are developing solutions across environmental sustainability, digital market access, agricultural finance and fish farming.
Riziki Nature Based Solutions Limited, which serves Kenya and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, produces mesquite-based fuel and biochar for land restoration. Soko Kijiji uses digital platforms to improve market access for women traders, while VunaPay Solutions Limited digitises cooperative operations and farmer payments, alongside financial services.
Wavu focuses on fish farming, using WhatsApp to connect farmers with agricultural inputs, logistics and technical support.
Their selection places Kenyan-linked businesses among the startups progressing through the SANAD-funded programme, which aims to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business models and improve access to financing.
SANAD ElevateHer is delivered by Seedstars and funded by the SANAD Fund for MSME through its advisory and capacity-building arm, managed by Finance in Motion GmbH. The programme supports 38 startups at different stages of development, from prototype to growth, with a focus on women-led businesses and companies that expand women’s participation through ownership, leadership, employment or their customer base.
The programme’s first phase combined workshops, individual mentoring and practical sessions on business models, pricing, sales, business development and investor readiness. Ahead of the Alexandria pitches, participating founders also attended a bootcamp to review their progress and refine presentations for potential investors and partners.
The wider group of 22 selected startups spans nine markets: Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Their businesses cover categories including agriculture, clean energy, water management, recycling, food preservation and digital services.
Three startups, Morocco’s MIRRIAH, Jordan’s SmartWTI and Uganda’s Freza Nanotech received cash prizes for their solutions in solar irrigation, water monitoring and food preservation. All three are also among the 22 businesses selected for further support.
“Making technology work for customers means deciding who installs it, how it is delivered and what people can afford to pay. We help founders test those choices and build a business around them,” said Sabrina Salama, MENA Partnerships Lead at Seedstars.
The next phase will provide the selected businesses with further coaching and investment-readiness support, helping founders prepare for fundraising, establish partnerships and scale their operations.
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By Tawheda Ali
I cover innovation, startups, sustainability and digital trends shaping Africa's tech landscape. Got a scoop? Reach out at tawheda@techtrendsmedia.co.ke