Opportunities

Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.

MsingiLab Librarian

What are you looking for today?

Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) — Jack Ma Foundation | MsingiLab

Back to Opportunities

FoundationGrantOpenExpired

Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) — Jack Ma Foundation

USD 100,000–300,000 (non-equity prizes)

ExpiredWebsiteEst. 1998

GrantDisability & InclusionVocational TrainingHuman RightsSocial EnterpriseAll Stages

Strong Gender Lens

Apply Now

Abilis Foundation provides small grants (EUR 500-10,000) to projects initiated, planned, and implemented by and for persons with disabilities in developing countries. Grants support economic empowerment, vocational training, advocacy, and human rights promotion for disabled persons' organizations (DPOs). The foundation prioritizes projects that promote the Human Rights of persons with disabilities and improve the position of disabled women.

What You Get

Winner: USD 300,000 non-equity grant

1st Runner-up: USD 250,000

2nd Runner-up: USD 150,000

7 additional Top 10 finalists: USD 100,000 each

1:1 mentorship from global business leaders and investors

Tailored training: financial management, marketing, IP law, investment readiness

Continental and global media coverage

Access to elite African entrepreneurial network

How to Apply

Contact the Abilis Foundation Country Office or Partner Organization in your country. Local staff will provide the application form and guidance. Applications are accepted year-round (rolling). Apply through the local office, not directly through the website. Visit https://www.abilis.fi/hae-rahoitusta?lang=en for country contact details.

Warm Intro

Recommended but not required

Geographic Focus

East Africa, Southern Africa

Decision Timeline

Varies by country office — typically 4-12 weeks

Eligibility

Must be founder or co-founder of the business
Must be an African citizen or direct descendant
Company registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa
Minimum 3 years of revenue with demonstrated market traction
All 54 African countries, all industries, all ages and genders

Traction Required

Must be an established DPO with clear project plan. No minimum revenue required.

Team Requirements

Organization must be led by and composed of persons with disabilities

Selection Criteria

3+ years of revenue — hard requirement
Positive community impact (social, economic, or environmental)
Entrepreneurial vision and leadership
Scalability and growth potential
Contribution to the African entrepreneurial ecosystem

Focus Areas

Economic Empowerment

Supporting income-generating activities and livelihood projects run by and for persons with disabilities

Human Rights Promotion

Projects that advance the human rights of persons with disabilities, including advocacy and awareness

Vocational Training

Skills development and employment integration programs for disabled persons

Women with Disabilities

Projects specifically improving the position and empowerment of disabled women

What They Look For

Revenue-generating African businesses (3+ years) combining commercial success with community impact. Jack Ma Foundation flagship Africa competition — 8th edition in 2026. USD 1.5M total prize pool across Top 10 finalists. All equity-free grants.

Post-Investment Support

Reporting support through local Country Office staff, capacity building for DPOs, connection to disability rights networks.

Red Flags to Watch

Maximum grant is EUR 10,000 — not suitable for large funding needs; Only funds DPOs, not general startups or for-profit ventures; Limited to 5 African countries (Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda); Must apply through local office, not direct online application

Insider Tip

Abilis practices inclusive philanthropy — they fund based on YOUR organization's ideas, not top-down priorities. The key is having a genuine DPO with disabled leadership. Start by contacting the local Country Office; they are very supportive in helping shape proposals. Projects supporting disabled women get priority.

1998

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Opportunities

Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) — Jack Ma Foundation

What You Get

Application Details

Fit Criteria