Applications Open for 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes Competition For Young African Entrepreneurs: 1.5 Million USD in Grant | Benefits, Eligible, Application
Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
Apply Now for the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Competition!
Are you building a game-changing business in Africa? 🌍
Do you have a bold vision, strong traction, and a desire to create lasting impact?
This is your moment.
Applications Open for 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes Competition: $1.5 Million in Grants Up for Grabs
Applications are now officially open for the 2025 edition of the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Competition, the flagship philanthropic initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation. With a total prize pool of $1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is calling on exceptional African entrepreneurs who are driving change and creating lasting impact across the continent to apply before the May 23rd, 2025 deadline.
Now in its seventh year, the competition aims to spotlight and support outstanding business talent from across Africa. Each year, ten finalists are selected to compete in the Grand Finale pitch competition, where they not only vie for a share of the funding but also benefit from continent-wide recognition, mentorship, training, and access to an elite entrepreneurial network.
“Africa’s Business Heroes is more than a competition,” said a representative from the Jack Ma Foundation. “It’s a platform to empower African entrepreneurs, inspire innovation, and strengthen the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Key Benefits:
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Grants up to $300,000 for individual finalists
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Mentorship from top global business leaders
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Lifetime access to a pan-African network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors
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High-profile exposure via media coverage, documentaries, and digital campaigns
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Tailored training in critical business areas including finance, marketing, IP law, and growth strategy
Who is Eligible?
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Founders or co-founders of a business
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African citizens or direct descendants of African citizens
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Businesses must be registered, headquartered, and operating in Africa
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Minimum of 3 years’ revenue and market traction
Application Process:
The competition includes a rigorous multi-round selection process:
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Round 1: Application Review (Top 50 selected)
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Round 2: Video Interviews (Top 20 selected)
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Due Diligence: Conducted on Top 20 candidates
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Semi-Finale: In-person pitches to expert panel (Top 10 finalists selected)
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Grand Finale: Live pitch competition and awards ceremony
The event culminates in a high-profile Grand Finale, which will be streamed live and featured across ABH’s social media platforms. Finalists receive international exposure, storytelling opportunities, and the chance to inspire the next generation of African business leaders.
Interested entrepreneurs can apply by visiting the official ABH website and completing the online application process, which includes submitting personal and business information, a video introduction, and a reference.
🌐 Learn more and apply now: Visit the Official Africa Business Heroes Website
💥 Don’t miss your chance to be one of Africa’s next business heroes.