Africa’s Business Heroes competition (ABH), a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba philanthropy has opened applications for entrepreneurs in Africa to apply.
ABH is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to helping support and foster an inclusive and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. African entrepreneurs from all sectors who operate businesses formerly registered and headquartered in an African country, with three years of proven track records can apply.
Speaking on the opening of the fifth edition of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the head of partnerships and programs Zahra Baitie-Boateng disclosed that the ABH is extremely impressed with the diversity of different entrepreneurs and how they have been taking tangible steps to solve some of the problems ravaging the African continent.
In her words, “At ABH, we have long recognized the potential of entrepreneurs as engines of economic and social growth. Now in the fifth year of the competition, we are encouraged to see that ABH has grown into a truly Pan-African initiative that is positively impacting the continent’s entrepreneurship landscape. We are extremely impressed with the increasing diversity of our Heroes and how they’ve been taking tangible steps to solve some of Africa’s most challenging issues”.
She, therefore, urged entrepreneurs from all countries, especially those from smaller countries, to seize the opportunity of ABH 2023 to tell and inspire millions more with their unique stories. Entrepreneurs from all levels of society are encouraged to submit their applications, in either English or French, for a chance to become one of the top 10 finalists to compete for a share of $ 1.5 million in grant money.
Check out the requirements/Criteria for the competition
- You must be an African citizen or the direct descendant of an African citizen.
- You are a founder or co-founder.
- Your company is registered and headquartered in an African country.
- Your company has market traction and at least 3 years of revenue.
Benefits Applicants Stand to Gain
- Receive invaluable feedback
- Develop skills to tell your story
- Join an entrepreneurship ecosystem
- Gain global recognition & exposure
- Access exclusive mentorship and training
- Pitch to business legends and win your share of USD 1.5 million
At the grand finale, 10 finalists will take the stage to present their businesses to a panel of legendary businesspeople. The journey to the final will also include access to a community of international business leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors, and accelerators, as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
Applications are now open online until May 12, 2023, with the top 50 candidates announced in July, semi-finalists announced in August and the top 10 finalists unveiled in September. Applicants can check Africa’s Heroes Website to apply.
Investors King understands that to date, over 72 000 entrepreneurs across the continent have participated in the ABH Prize Competition.
