Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative, has officially opened applications for its 2025 competition.
Following the success of its 6th Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, ABH is expanding its reach to encourage more participation from underrepresented regions, including Francophone and Central Africa.
The 2024 competition saw remarkable diversity, with 39% of applicants being women and 60% of the Top 10 finalists being female entrepreneurs.
A milestone was also achieved when a finalist from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made it to the Top 10 for the first time.
Another historic moment came when Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal, a Francophone entrepreneur, won the Grand Prize, marking a significant victory for Francophone Africa.
Now in its seventh year, ABH continues its mission of identifying and supporting outstanding African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities.
Finalists gain access to $1.5 million in grant funding, with the grand prize winner receiving $300,000, the first runner-up $250,000, and the second runner-up $150,000.
The remaining finalists each secure $100,000, plus an additional $100,000 for global immersion training.
Beyond funding, ABH offers finalists unparalleled media exposure, mentorship, and access to a network of Africa’s leading business figures, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
The program provides invaluable insights, feedback from experienced professionals, and support to strengthen business strategies and long-term growth.
ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, highlighted the resilience of past participants, emphasizing that success in the competition is about perseverance and continuous learning.
Henri Ousmane Gueye won the Grand Prize on his third attempt, while Alexander Odhiambo from Kenya, the second runner-up, reached the Top 10 after applying twice.
Their journeys reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that ABH seeks to celebrate and support.
Applications are open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and African countries.
To qualify, applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a business registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa.
They must also be African citizens or direct descendants and have at least three years of revenue with proven market traction.
The application process is rigorous and designed to provide learning opportunities at every stage.
Judges review submissions and select the Top 50, who then undergo interviews with business leaders to determine the Top 20.
Following due diligence, these candidates move on to the Semi-Finals, where they pitch to a distinguished panel.
The final stage is the Grand Finale, where the Top 10 compete live for their share of the $1.5 million grant funding.
Entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level can apply by registering an ABH account and confirming their eligibility.
The application includes a personal vision statement, a business model overview, future plans, a reference, and a video introduction.
This is a unique opportunity to gain funding, mentorship, and high-level exposure.
More details and the application portal can be found at https://apo-opa.co/4lc6DNy.
Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Over a decade, ABH aims to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training, and ecosystem support.
The competition and its annual show highlight 10 finalists as they pitch their businesses for a share of the grant money.
Jack Ma launched this initiative after being inspired by Africa’s entrepreneurial energy during his first visit in 2017.
For more information and to apply, visit https://apo-opa.co/4lc6DNy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
For more information, contact info@africabusinessheroes.org or call +250792575614.
