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$1.5 Million Prize: The Jack Ma Foundation Africa Business Heroes Competition 2021 for Young African Entrepreneurs

The Africa Business Heroes Competition (ABH) aims to identify, support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

   

The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.





Eligibility

To apply for our competition, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant should be …the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company.
  • Applicant has …African citizenship or is the child or grand-child of an African citizen.
  • The Company is …registered and headquartered in an African country, and primarily operates in Africa.
  • Company is …post-Idea stage. Business is 3 years old or more and has at least 3 years of revenue history.

Every year, ten finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH finale pitch competition and participate in a TV Show that will be broadcast online and across the continent. The finalists will compete for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.

Benefits

  • Pitch business legends
    Opportunity to pitch to business legends and receive advice from them.
  • Win YOUR share of $1.5 million USD
    All ten finalists win grant funds from $100,000 to $300,000.
  • Gain global recognition & exposure
    nternational publicity via the televised Africa’s Business heroes Show, press releases, news articles, TV/radio & print interviews.
  • Access mentorship & training
    Tailored Feedback, Mentorship & Training via the Africa’s Business Heroes Network of Partners and Judges.
  • Get connected with entrepreneurs ecosystem
    An online community of ABH Alumni, judges and key stakeholders that promotes peer learning, engagement and networking.





Selection Criteria

Round 1
An online review of submitted applicants to determine our Top 50 Finalists. Each application will be reviewed by two judges. The Top 50 Finalists will be determined by the average scores of all applications.

Round 2
Video-Call interviews with two established business leaders who engage in a 1 hour and a half in-depth assessment of the company and finalist. The Top 20 Finalists will be determined by the average scores of all 50 Finalists.

Due diligence

The Top 20 Finalists will need to pass due diligence checks by our partner: Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in order to move to the Semi-Finale round.





Semi-Final Pitch

The short-listed finalists will pitch to a panel of distinguished and experienced panel of investors, business leaders and professionals who will determine our Top 10 Finalists.

To Get More Information & Apply: Click Here

Application Deadline:  7th June 2021 23:59:59 GMT.

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Lucius O. (CICRM)

Lucius is the founder and lead writer at Careerical.com, your trusted resource for international job opportunities, visa sponsorship guidance, and career development strategies. With over 12 years of experience driving triple-digit growth in telecom and fintech, Lucius is a certified customer relationship professional and digital ecosystem strategist. At Careerical, he combines deep industry insights with a passion for helping professionals navigate global job markets—whether you're exploring Canadian work visas, landing remote jobs in Europe, or applying for fully funded scholarships. His writing has earned him recognition as his State’s “Best Essayist,” and he continues to deliver research-backed, reader-focused content that ranks and converts. Follow Careerical for expert tips on visa applications, job search strategies, and how to build a career that travels.

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