2024 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition

The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.

Every year, ten finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition. 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. The finalists ultimately compete for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.

All finalists also join an exclusive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors, and mentors. In addition, they get access to training and networking opportunities to further support them on their business journey.

Benefits Of Applying

ABH is more than your average competition, and has been designed to provide both applicants and finalists with a range of benefits to meet the needs of entrepreneurs across the African ecosystem:

• Grant funds of up to $300 000
  • The 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.
• Global recognition and exposure
  • ABH spotlights talented African entrepreneurs as finalists progress in the competition via press releases, social media, and news articles at every stage of the competition. They also provide significant exposure opportunities to the Top 10 finalists via extensive PR exposure and media coverage.
• Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network
  • Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.
• Mentorship from business icons
  • The finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterward.
• Targeted and practical training programs
  • ABH community members are given access to a range of bespoke training programs including financial management, marketing insights, understanding IP law, and more. Finalists are also given the opportunity to access additional programs and services such as investment readiness and management training via the network of partners and judges.
• Insights into your business
  • Throughout the application process, they help the applicants strengthen their storytelling and pitching efforts via an introspective application process. Applicants are also given feedback at each stage of the competition, and they receive advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs throughout the competition.

Who is eligible?

To apply for the competition, you should meet the following 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.

For more information, visit Jack Ma Foundation.