Applications for the $1.5 million Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025 are open to entrepreneurs from all African countries

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 who compete for their share of USD 1.5 million in grant funding. During the competition, participants also have exclusive access to training, mentoring, and learning programmes and to a community of like-minded African business leaders.

When is the Application Deadline?

📅 Deadline: May 23rd, 2025

Tell Me About The Competition:

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting African entrepreneurs. The competition identifies and funds exceptional entrepreneurs who are creating a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Over ten years, ABH will recognize and support 100 African entrepreneurs with grant funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.

Each year, ten finalists compete in the ABH Grand Finale pitch competition, where they showcase their businesses for a chance to win a share of $1.5 million in grant funding.

Read Also: WomEng Southern Africa Fellowship 2025 for African Women in Engineering.

Which Fields are Eligible?
The competition is open to all sectors and industries, as long as the business is registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa.

Type:
Entrepreneurship Grant & Business Development Competition

Who can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be the founder or co-founder of the business.
• Have an African identity (either an African citizen or a direct descendant of an African citizen).
• Own a business registered and headquartered in Africa with primary operations on the continent.
• Have at least three years of revenue and proven market traction.

How are Applicants Selected?
The selection process consists of multiple stages:

1. Application Review – Judges assess applications, and the Top 50 Finalists are selected.
2. Video Call Interviews – The Top 50 Finalists participate in interviews, and the Top 20 are chosen.
3. Due Diligence – Background verification of the Top 20 Finalists.
4. Semi-Finale (In-Person Pitching) – The Top 20 pitch to a panel, and the Top 10 are selected.
5. Grand Finale (Live Pitch Competition) – The Top 10 Finalists pitch to high-profile judges for a share of the $1.5 million grant funding.

Which Countries Are Eligible?
The competition is open to entrepreneurs from all African countries.

Where will the Competition Take Place?
The competition includes virtual and in-person stages, with the Grand Finale being a live event broadcast online.

How Many Winners?
Ten finalists will be selected, with different levels of grant funding awarded.

What is the Benefit of the Competition?

• Grant Funding – The Top 10 finalists share $1.5 million in grants, with individual prizes ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.
• Global Recognition & Media Exposure – Extensive press and social media coverage.
• Networking & Community – Lifetime access to a network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.
• Mentorship & Training – One-on-one mentorship and tailored business training programs.
• Business Insights & Feedback – Expert evaluation and constructive feedback on business strategies.

How Long Will the Competition Last?
The competition runs through multiple phases, with the Grand Finale held later in 2025.

How to Apply:

1. Register an ABH account.
2. Confirm eligibility.
3. Complete the application form (covering your business vision, model, and growth strategy).
4. Provide a reference.
5. Submit a video introduction.

📌 Apply here

Visit the Competition Webpage for More Details:
For full details, visit ABH Official Website.