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Africa’s Business Heroes Prize 2024 // Apply Before May 19, 2024
The sixth edition of Africa’s Business Heroes Prize is open for applications. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa to support entrepreneurs.
Over ten years, the program aims to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training programs, and broader support for the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their mission is to showcase and grow local talent creating positive impact in their communities and beyond, and inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship.
Africa’s Business Heroes directly supports talented and promising African entrepreneurs through its namesake Prize competition. Each year the Prize selects ten “business heroes” from across Africa that compete for their share of USD 1.5 million in grant funding.
Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:
- have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
- are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
- have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
- operate in 52 African countries
Testimonials
Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, Africa’s Business Heroes.
“Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services.”
“It’s been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” Zahra in a press statement.
Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, Africa’s Business Heroes 2023 First Prize Winner says:
Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has been a transformative experience for Wellahealth Technologies, profoundly impacting our journey as a startup. ABH not only provided us with financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a wealth of benefits that can catalyze growth and success for your ventures.
WellaHealth provides affordable healthcare plans that start at less than a dollar a month to cover care common conditions delivered via pharmacies and remote doctors. The company serves over 300,000 individuals and is aiming to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within the next five years, extending its services in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
Also Read: The Africa Tech Startup Forum by ADB // Apply Before April 19, 2024
The Africa’s Business Heroes Program
During the competition, participants also have exclusive access to training, mentoring, and learning programs, and to a community of like-minded African business leaders. These finalists also receive extensive exposure through the high-quality video narratives ABH produces about their stories and their ABH journeys.
Throughout the process, they work with local media and influencers across the continent to secure interviews spotlighting their businesses and the impact they are having.
Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The winner takes home $300,000; The 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up take home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists, take home $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for global immersion training.
The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible.
Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries.
In order to apply, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You’re the founder or a co-founder.
- You’re an African citizen or the direct descendant (child/grand-child) of an African citizen.
- Your company is registered, headquartered and primarily in an African country.
- Your company has market traction and at least 3 years of revenue
Applications for Africa’s Business Heroes 2024
Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.
To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit the registration page
