Calling All African Entrepreneurs: Apply now for the Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition 2024

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has been a beacon for Africa's brightest entrepreneurial minds. Over the past five years, ABH has showcased:

- 123,000 direct and indirect jobs created in Africa

- Over 37.5 million customers served across Africa and beyond

- Raised over US$153 million (excluding debt raises)

- Operations spanning 52 African countries

In 2023, ABH published a comprehensive five-year impact report detailing the profound influence ABH Heroes have had. As ABH enters its sixth year, it calls upon entrepreneurs from all 54 African nations, across all industries, ages, and genders, to submit their applications in either English or French. Alongside invaluable benefits such as training, exposure, and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs at Africa’s Business Heroes, shares her excitement: "Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed incredible growth among our Heroes. It’s been heartwarming to see them leverage grant funds to expand, hire talent, and invest in new products and services. We're committed to nurturing the African entrepreneurial ecosystem and invite all eligible entrepreneurs to join us on this journey!"

To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year's winners emerged from 27,267 applicants across diverse sectors, including agriculture, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The journey culminated in a Grand Finale where the top 10 finalists presented their businesses on Africa's largest augmented reality-powered stage to esteemed judges.

Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies and ABH 2023 First Prize Winner, attests to the transformative experience: "Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has profoundly impacted our startup journey. ABH not only provided financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow African entrepreneurs to seize this extraordinary opportunity."

WellaHealth Technologies, a Nigerian venture, provides affordable healthcare plans starting at less than a dollar a month, serving over 300,000 individuals with plans to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within five years across Nigeria and Africa.

ABH remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs. The journey to the Grand Finale will include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, and investors, along with multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.

This year, ABH will host roadshows in multiple countries, collaborating with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members to enhance engagement and application processes. Details regarding these roadshows will be shared through ABH’s official social media channels and newsletters.

Applications for ABH 2024 are open until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the top 10 in September, with the final winners revealed at the Grand Finale in November.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Africa's entrepreneurial revolution! Apply now and follow ABH on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.

About Africa's Business Heroes:

Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire, and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors, offering grant funding, training programs, and ecosystem development support. Over 10 years, the ABH Prize Competition will feature 10 entrepreneur finalists annually, pitching their businesses for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.