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Africa Business Concept Challenge (ABCC) | MsingiLab

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Africa Business Concept Challenge (ABCC)

$5,000 (1st place) + $2,500 (2nd place) + non-monetary prizes

RollingWebsiteEst. 2020

Moderate Gender LensModerate Climate Lens

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A five-week virtual business concept competition for African undergraduate and graduate students. Teams of 2-5 students develop a viable business concept addressing a locally relevant challenge aligned with Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs. Run annually by the Global Business School Network (GBSN).

What You Get

$5,000 cash prize (1st place)

$2,500 cash prize (2nd place)

Non-monetary prizes (academic opportunities, online certifications)

Mentorship from industry and investor experts

Lifetime access to Ennova platform (African Development Bank)

Entrepreneurial skills development (problem framing, market planning, business modelling, pitching)

Feedback from industry experts and potential investors

How to Apply

Register at gbsn.org/africachallenge/ during the open registration period. No fee to participate. GBSN membership not required. Teams of 2-5 students with a mentor.

Warm Intro

Recommended but not required

Geographic Focus

Pan-Africa

Decision Timeline

5-week competition cycle from start to final pitch

Eligibility

Must be a team of 2-5 students
At least two team members must be currently enrolled at an African institution of learning, training, or development
Teams must select a mentor to work with
No entry fee required
GBSN membership not required
Business concept must address a locally relevant challenge aligned with Agenda 2063 and UN SDGs

Traction Required

None — this is a concept-stage competition. Business idea with viable plan is sufficient.

Team Requirements

Teams of 2-5 students (ideally interdisciplinary). At least two members must be currently enrolled at an African institution of learning, training, or development. Teams must select a mentor.

Selection Criteria

Viability and sustainability of business concept
Alignment with Agenda 2063 and UN SDGs
Market analysis and business model strength
Team composition and interdisciplinarity
Pitch quality and presentation
Community impact potential

Focus Areas

Agenda 2063 priority areas

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Inclusive and sustainable development

Responsible business practices

Community-level problem solving

What They Look For

African undergraduate and graduate students with entrepreneurial orientation who want to address community challenges through business. Interdisciplinary teams preferred. Teams work with mentors to develop sustainable business concepts.

Post-Investment Support

Lifetime access to Ennova platform (developed by African Development Bank), mentorship, feedback from industry and investor experts, networking opportunities

Red Flags to Watch

2026 registration closed 22 March 2026. Competition is currently underway for 2026 cohort.

Insider Tip

Specifically for students — great for early-stage idea validation. Faculty mentors add credibility. The Ennova platform access (from AfDB) is a valuable long-term benefit. Interdisciplinary teams score higher. Focus on SDG alignment in your concept.

2020

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Notable Investments

6 annual cohorts since 2020. Previous winners listed on gbsn.org. Top 5 teams featured prominently each year.

Opportunities

Africa Business Concept Challenge (ABCC)

What You Get

Application Details

Fit Criteria