Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (16 March 2023)
The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, an initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has launched its fifth annual edition and is now accepting applications from Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. The competition, which is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa, aims to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over a 10-year period.
The ABH Prize Competition is sector-agnostic, inclusive, and grassroots-oriented, and entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries are encouraged to apply for a chance to become one of the top 10 finalists and compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. The finalists will also have access to:
- Mentorship,
- Networking opportunities, and
- Multi-disciplinary bootcamps and training sessions to help take their businesses to the next level.
ABH produces an annual TV show that follows the previous year’s finalists on their journey to the Grand Finale. It features their pitches and behind-the-scenes moments, aiming to teach entrepreneurship. The 2023 ABH Show will have shorter episodes released on YouTube and social media from March. A longer version will be launched on CNBC, StarTimes, and Vox Africa later.
ABH will hold in-person info sessions for entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda. Local groups and ABH will host. Details via ABH social media and newsletter.
ABH’s success is attributed to its wide-ranging partnerships with key ecosystem partners, and as in previous years, ABH will be partnering with several organizations to drive the call for applications, support African entrepreneurs, and spotlight their inspiring work. For organizations interested in joining the ABH Partner network, sign up here.
Applications are open until May 12, 2023. The ABH Prize Competition will progress through several rounds, with the top 50 candidates announced in July, semi-finalists announced in August, and the top 10 finalists unveiled in September.
Source: ABH, Disrupt Africa
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