Africa's Business Heroes

Welcome to the 2023 ABH Application

ABH finalists receive invaluable training and mentorship, and the opportunity to network with the ABH’s growing community of talented and inspiring minds. ABH Finalists will pitch their business to a global panel of legendary judges to win a share of the $1.5 million (USD) award.

We’re excited you have decided to apply for the ABH prize competition. To maximize your chances of success, we encourage you to read our guidelines carefully before you begin.

You are required to edit and submit the application within the submission period from March to June 2023 tentatively. Details will be announced early next year.

Our application is made up of six sections:

Eligibility Check: where you can confirm that you meet all our criteria.

Reference: an opportunity for a mentor, colleague or partner to tell us more about you and why you’re a good fit for the ABH prize.

Founder Profile: questions about personal information, your motivations and achievements

Business Profile: questions about your business

Business Deep Dive: questions about the problem your business is trying to solve, the solution, its competitiveness, market traction, your business model and future plans.

Video Introductions: your opportunity to introduce yourself, your team and a customer.

Good luck as you begin this incredible journey!

Application Guidelines

Before you begin, we have some guidelines to help with your application.

The application will take 2-3 hours to complete. You are required to edit and submit the application within the submission period from March to June 2023 tentatively. Details will be announced early next year.

You can skip questions and explore the application. But remember, you will need to answer all mandatory questions (marked by an asterix *) to submit the application. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

You can download the application form and fill in the answers offline. Remember to copy, paste and submit your answers before the deadline.

You will need to upload two to three key documents to successfully complete your application. Please have scanned /digital versions with you to upload.

One form of a personal Government-issued ID that belong to you (the applicant). Suitable ID includes: international passport, citizen/national card and a voters card). AND
“Business license/registration certificate”: this is a legal document indicating when you registered the business with the government. AND
Proof you’ve been operating for 3 years or more. This can include your registration document or bank statements in your company’s name dating 3 years.

DO'S

Let’s see what you should do when completing the application

DONT'S

Let’s see what you should not do when completing the application

Sample Application Videos

As part of your application, you will need to submit 2 videos: a self introduction and an customer testimonial. Please watch the sample videos below to guide you.

Self & Business Introduction

Imagine you are being interviewed by a journalist. What would you want the audience to know about you and your business.

Customer Testimonial

We want to understand who your average customer is and why they purchase your product/service.

You can also watch this video, for more tips on how to record your video.

BEST OF LUCK
“FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD” – FRED SWANIKER, ABH SEMI-FINALE JUDGE

DO'S

1/4

Check that you are eligible to apply! ABH has strict eligibility criteria.

Applicant should be the Founder or Co-Founder of the company.
Applicant is of African origin. You have African citizenship and/or a Parent or Grandparent has African citizenship.
Company is Africa-based. The business is registered in an African country and primarily operates in Africa.
Company is post-idea stage. Business has been in operation for at least 3 years and has revenue for at least 3 years.

Only applicants who meet the ABH criteria will have their application reviewed.

Be honest. If you are shortlisted to become a finalist, you will have to undergo rigorous due diligence by our partner: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Demonstrate your answers. Where relevant provide evidence-based examples and details that will allow judges to better understand your points.

Answer all required questions. Required questions will be indicated with an asterix (*). Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please keep your answers short and clear. Inspire us with your vision and business but do so within the word limits.

Use USD for ALL financial figures. Please ensure that you convert your local currency into USD and include the exchange rate assumption used.

Ensure the audio of your video introductions is clear. Play it to a friend and ensure they can clearly hear the audio.

Record your videos early and submit your application on time. The most successful applicants submit ahead of the deadline and with enough time to have peers/mentors review their application. Quality matters and that takes time. We recommend you aim to complete your application at least a week before the deadline so you have time to make any edits required.

Get support, if you’re stuck. Visit our LiveChat for real-time support, or email us at info@africabusinessheroes.org if you’re stuck or if you have any questions.

DONT'S

Do not disclose commercial or security sensitive information.

Do not miss the deadline!! You are required to edit and submit the application within the submission period from March to June 2023 tentatively. Details will be announced early next year.

Do not overly elaborate/complicate your answers.