Africa: ABH Now Accepting Applications for $1.5 Million Grant Prize

Applications are now open for the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy.

The fifth annual edition of the competition seeks to support entrepreneurial talent who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond.

ABH is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to building an inclusive and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. 

Every year since 2019, ABH conducts a continent-wide search with its partners for 10 outstanding, mission-driven entrepreneurs that are striving to make a difference in their local communities. Over a 10-year period, ABH will recognize a total of 100 African entrepreneurs.

Benefits

Top 10 finalists would compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant money.

At the Grand Finale to be held later this year, the 10 finalists will take the stage to present their businesses to a panel of legendary businesspeople. 

The journey to the finale will also include access to a community of international business leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors and accelerators, as well as multi-disciplinary bootcamps and training sessions to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

Eligibility

Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, gender and age group and all levels of society, are encouraged to submit their applications, in either English or French.

Speaking on the competition, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Partnerships & Programs of Africa’s Business Heroes said:

“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. We encourage 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.”

How to apply

Applications will be 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.