Application Deadline: June 20, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
Applications are now open for the 2026 Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation. The Asharami M.A.D Equation: Solving for Sahara Beyond XXX is an innovation platform designed to transform research into real-world impact by bridging the gap between academic insight and industry application. The initiative supports African innovators whose work demonstrates the depth, analytical rigor, and innovation maturity needed to address complex challenges across Sahara Group’s energy and power businesses.
Research Areas
The programme is intentionally designed for African innovators developing practical, scalable, and ESG-aligned solutions for the energy sector.
Program Details
Across Africa, groundbreaking research is taking place every day, but too few ideas make the transition from academic journals into real-world implementation. The Asharami M.A.D Equation seeks to close that gap by supporting solutions that can create measurable impact.
Requirements
- Innovators from within the African continent
- Innovators whose innovations align with the research themes
- Innovators whose innovations are implementable within Sahara’s E&P or power businesses
- Innovators from postgraduate applied research (MSc and PhD level) and beyond
Focus Area
- Solving Africa’s energy challenges, one idea at a time.
Research Themes
The Asharami M.A.D Equation is intentionally designed for African Innovators whose work offers the depth, analytical rigor, and innovation maturity required to address complex challenges across Sahara’s E&P and power businesses.
Oil and Gas
- Upstream Flowstation Digitalisation & Real-Time Production Monitoring
- Predictive Maintenance & Condition Monitoring for Upstream Rotating Equipment
- Heavy Oil Flow Assurance & Field Development Strategy
Power Sector
- Ageing Thermal Asset Reliability, Predictive Maintenance & Process Optimisation
- Reliable Power Generation amid Gas, Grid & Market Constraints
- Improving Network Stability & Resilience in Distribution Systems
AWard
Beyond funding, selected ideas gain access to mentorship, technical support, and pathways to real-world implementation.
Outstanding innovations will be awarded
- First Prize: $25,000
- Second Prize: $15,000
- Third Prize: $10,000
Application Checklist
Applications are submitted through this website. Submissions made by email or any other channel will NOT be accepted
- Completed online application form(including full name, email, institution, academic level, and research title)
- Concept note: maximum 20 pages in PDF format, summarising the research idea, objectives, expected outcomes, and relevance to the research themes
- Applicant CV – PDF format
- Institutional endorsement letter: signed by your Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, or Director of Research & Innovation, or Intellectual Property Office, or head of other accredited research institute, confirming authorship of the research
- Declaration of originality: checked on the application form
- Supporting documents (optional: maximum 5 PDF files, additional data, references, visuals illustrating research potential)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation
