Written by Applications are now open for Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2026, one of the continent’s most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions offering funding, mentorship, training, and global exposure.
The program is an initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation, designed to identify and support outstanding African entrepreneurs creating impact across the continent.
Apply here:
https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/
Application Deadline: April 28, 2026
About the ABH Prize
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is a flagship philanthropic program that aims to recognize and empower African entrepreneurs driving change in their communities.
Each year, 10 outstanding finalists are selected to compete in a grand finale pitch competition, where they share a total of $1.5 million in grant funding.
Over a 10-year period, the initiative will support 100 African entrepreneurs through funding, training, and ecosystem support.
Benefits
Participants and finalists gain access to:
- Share of $1.5 million in grant funding (Top winner receives up to $300,000)
- World-class training and mentorship
- Global exposure and media visibility
- Access to a pan-African network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors
- Business growth support and feedback from top business leaders
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be an African entrepreneur (or of African descent)
- Be the founder or co-founder of a business
- Have a business that is:
- Registered and headquartered in Africa
- Operational for at least 3 years with revenue track record
- Be building a business with measurable impact in your community
The competition is sector-agnostic and open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.
Program Structure
The competition follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:
- Application review
- Shortlisting (Top 50 → Top 20)
- Interviews and due diligence
- Semi-final pitch
- Grand finale (Top 10 finalists pitch live)
Why This Opportunity Matters
The ABH Prize is more than funding—it provides a platform for African entrepreneurs to:
- Scale impactful businesses
- Gain international recognition
- Access long-term mentorship and ecosystem support
- Join a lifetime community of high-impact founders
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should submit their applications via the official ABH portal:
Ensure you prepare key materials such as:
- Business registration documents
- Financial records
- Founder introduction video