WE-RISE! Incubator and Accelerator: Empowering entrepreneurs, Strengthening Communities
WE-RISE! Incubator and Accelerator: Empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening communities in Sudan
Outcomes
Over nearly two years, the WE-RISE! Incubator and Accelerator raised awareness, engaged with, and received proposals from 2,350 candidates. Of these, 300 were selected to join the program. From that group, 196 completed the first cohort (15 training modules), and 100 graduated from the second and final cohort (which included pitching, funding awards, networking, and tune-in training). Throughout the program, the team—together with entrepreneurs, consultants, partners, and stakeholders – brought passion, creativity, know-how, resources, and dedication to every milestone, ensuring the program’s successful completion despite several challenges.
The program was implemented using a gender-sensitive approach, with a strong focus on youth and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It ensured targeted attention to these groups while maintaining a competitive, quality-driven methodology, particularly in the design and execution of assessment and evaluation processes. The demographic profile of participants evolved during the project, with the percentage of women increasing from an initial 42% to a final 64%.
Participation among IDPs was also significant, accounting for around 50% of participants: Of the 196 participants in the first cohort, 90 were IDPs (46%). Of the 100 participants in the second cohort, 51 were IDPs (51%). The Challenge Fund was awarded exclusively to women, achieving 100% female participation, while the Recovery Fund reached a 60% gender inclusion rate.
Exit Strategy and Follow-up
Although the 100 graduates of the WE-RISE! Incubator and Accelerator completed their training, funding, networking, and impact evaluation sessions by January 2025, the momentum of their vision, products, and services continues to thrive. These entrepreneurs remain actively engaged with the local ecosystem, sustaining the program’s impact well beyond its formal conclusion. They will continue to operate and grow their ventures, leveraging the strong foundation laid during the program. Graduates will maintain access to Savannah Innovation Labs and continue to benefit from community resources such as masterclasses, networking meetups, and collaborative opportunities with partners. To ensure continued progress, periodic follow-ups will be conducted to assess performance and provide targeted support. These follow-ups aim to connect alumni with emerging opportunities, particularly in anticipation of improved geopolitical conditions and market stabilization, especially in eastern Sudan. This sustained engagement ensures that the WE-RISE! vision and efforts remain a catalyst for long-term entrepreneurial growth and resilience.
About the service providers
Savannah Innovation Lab is an inclusive platform and entrepreneurship incubator based in Khartoum with a history of running programmes in the Red Sea, Darfur, Kordofan, and Blue Nile states. The organisation aims to support and empower entrepreneurs in Sudan by providing access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Savannah is also a member of the Afrilabs and the Africa Business Angel network.
𝗪𝗘-𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘! is an EU-funded project with the objective of building inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities and creating an enabling environment for the economic, social and educational empowerment of women. The project is implemented by AICS Addis Abeba and UN Women.
