Philanthropic programme, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), has opened applications for its next iteration, inviting African entrepreneurs to apply for grant funding and business support.
Now in its eighth year, ABH awards US$1.5 million (R24.7m) annually in grant funding to ten entrepreneurs. Beyond financial support, the programme provides mentorship, training and access to a network of investors and ecosystem partners, with the aim of boosting participating businesses.
According to ABH, shortlisted candidates gain access to structured capacity-building programmes and join a network of peers and industry leaders. Past Top 10 finalists will also participate in a sponsored learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China.
There, entrepreneurs will engage with global best practices in innovation, digital transformation and business scaling.
ABH says the latest group is scheduled to travel in September.
The programme encourages applications from founders operating in various areas such as logistics, food systems, climate and energy, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
This year, ABH plans to increase its continental engagement by visiting ten African markets, with a focus on countries that have historically been underrepresented among its Top 10 finalists, including Namibia, Tunisia and Zambia. The visits will include workshops and engagement sessions with entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders.
ABH has also expanded its recognition pool, announcing that it will select a Top 100 finalists’ group instead of a Top 50. The organisation cites annual applications increasing from around 10 000 in 2019 to more than 30 000 in recent years, as the main reason.
“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs addressing pressing challenges,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, managing director for Africa at ABH.
She added that the programme intended to support founders building sustainable enterprises.
Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of an African country, lead a registered business headquartered in Africa, demonstrate at least three years of traction and show a commitment to societal impact.
