Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation 2026 for African innovators (Up To $50,000 Prize)

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Applications are open for Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation 2026. 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.

The initiative bridges the gap between academic insight and industry application by supporting research that delivers practical, scalable, and ESG-aligned solutions for the energy sector. It reflects their commitment to shaping Africa’s energy future; not just through ideas, but through solutions that can be implemented, measured, and scaled across our operations.

Why it Matters

Across Africa, groundbreaking research is happening, yet too few ideas make it beyond journals and into real-world application.

The Asharami M.A.D Equation exists to change that. By connecting academia with industry challenges, the initiative unlocks: Practical innovation that solves real operational problems, sustainable solutions aligned with global energy transition goals, and a new generation of researchers driving Africa’s energy future. Because the challenge is no longer ideas; it’s execution at scale.

Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation Objectives

Drive Applied Innovation
- Encourage research that solves real-world energy challenges
Advanced ESG Priorities
- Promote cleaner, more efficient, and resilient energy systems
Enable Real World Adoption
- Support viable ideas toward integration into Sahara’s operations
Recognise Excellence
- Reward originality, impact, and implementation potential
Building Future Talent Pipeline
- Equipped innovators to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector

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. There are six research themes across two sectors:

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

Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation Awards & Recognitions

Beyond funding, selected ideas gain access to mentorship, technical support, and pathways to real-world implementation.

First Prize $25,000
Second Prize: $15,000
Third Prize: $10,000

Eligibility Criteria

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

How To Apply for Sahara Group Asharami M.A.D Equation

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)

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: June 20th, 2026 11.59pm