Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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USD 1.5 million shared among 10 finalists; top winner receives up to USD 300,000
Africa’s Business Heroes is an open competition for entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across all industries, ages, and genders. Each year, 10 finalists share USD 1.5 million in grant funding, with the top winner receiving up to USD 300,000. Finalists also get training, mentorship, publicity, network access, and opportunities to improve their storytelling and pitching through feedback.
Grant funding
Each year, ten exceptional finalists are selected to receive a share of USD 1.5 million in grant funding, with the top winner receiving up to USD 300,000.
Training
Finalists gain exclusive access to training programs.
Mentorship
Finalists gain exclusive access to mentorship.
Publicity and exposure
Finalists gain publicity, global recognition, and exposure.
Network access
Finalists gain access to a vibrant network of like-minded African business leaders and an entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Feedback and storytelling support
Applicants can receive invaluable feedback, develop skills to tell their story, and pitch to business legends.
Sector-agnostic entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs from all industries are eligible to apply.
Positive community impact
The program supports entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Jack Ma Foundation competition for African entrepreneurs. $1.5M total prizes. Top 10 finalists. $300K grand prize. All 54 African countries. All sectors. TV-style pitch finale. 50,000+ applications per year.
Jack Ma Foundation network, Alibaba ecosystem, African entrepreneur community, prize money
Competition format — few winners. Application volume very high (50,000+).
Emphasize both business performance and clear community impact, since the program is sector-agnostic but specifically supports entrepreneurs creating positive change. Because storytelling, feedback, and pitching are built into the program, a clear founder narrative and strong pitch are likely important in the application.
2019
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Top 10 African entrepreneurs annually; 200+ alumni