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2020 Top10 Finalist
THE PRIZE
In July 2017, Jack Ma visited Africa for the first time in his capacity as special adviser to UNCTAD. During his trip, Jack had the opportunity to engage with African entrepreneurs and hear their stories. He was inspired by the entrepreneurial energy of the young people he met with. He also recognized the same barriers to entrepreneurship in Africa that existed in China when he founded Alibaba in 1999. As a proponent of the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change, Jack decided to establish ABH to inspire, train, and support entrepreneurs in Africa to build inclusive business models that can create development and economic opportunity for the continent.
ABH is not just a competition; it’s a community of changemakers. Beyond the prize money, the ABH Prize connects you to a network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and global thought leaders who can help take your business to the next level. The competition is just the beginning of our journey together, and we are focused on long-term growth, community, and lasting impact, not just short-term rewards.
Beyond the $1.5m in grant funds available each year, we also provide all finalists with several other benefits throughout the competition they can leverage to improve their business. These benefits include:

Access to the ABH Network. Our finalists will also have the opportunity to become a part of the ABH Network where they can tap into valuable entrepreneurship resources such as mentorship, exclusive training resources – such as investment readiness coaching, and more. They will also have the opportunity to network with a wide range of business leaders and other like-minded entrepreneurs and be given access to exclusive ABH events tailored to help them refine and grow their businesses.

Feedback from Industry experts. Throughout the interview and evaluation process, our finalists will have the opportunity to engage with our highly-qualified judges who will offer finalists advice.

Publicity: We will provide our finalists a platform to tell their stories through our website and social media channels. We also issue press releases at each stage of the competition to ensure the stories of our finalists gain exposure across Africa and the world.
1st Prize Winner $300,000
2nd Prize Winner $250,000
3rd Prize Winner $150,000
Other Top 10 Finalists (7) $100,000
Training Opportunities $100,000


An example of the ‘Global Immersion Program’ was the 2024 ABH Hero visit to Hangzhou, China where participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba’s headquarters returning to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors across the continent.
Our finalists have used the funds to expand their teams, invest in technology and machinery, and expand their footprint locally and internationally.

For example, our 2019 Grand Prize winner – Temie Giwa-Tubuson - has leveraged the grant funds to expand Lifebank across Nigeria and launch in Kenya.

In addition, due to the exposure from the competition, some of our finalists have gone on to secure investment due to the exposure they received, attract top talent, and engage with their country's senior leadership.

For example, thanks to the publicity received through the competition, Omar Sakr 2019 first runner-up raised $1 million in investment.

Some finalists have also used the feedback they gained during the competition to pivot their business models. For example, following the feedback from the finale judges, Moulaye Taboure 2019 Top 10 hero raised a $6.2 million pre-Series A round while rebranding his company Afrikrea to ANKA. The investment has helped him build out a SaaS mobile infrastructure and further product development. ANKA also plans to hire talent across tech, finance, sales, and marketing to join its 30-person team across four continents.

Lastly, some of our finalists have entered into new partnerships since the competition.

Oghenetega Iortim, 2021 Top 10 hero, recently partnered with HaulTrac one of Nigeria’s leading logistics companies, to support the delivery of essential healthcare commodities to all 36 states of the country for USAID. The partnership is an indefinite quantity agreement that includes the delivery of commodities such as medicines, rapid diagnostic test kits, laboratory reagents, and consumables. You can learn more about our past Top 10 Heroes here.

You can watch the Post-Prize stories of two of our finalists here:

Mahmud Johnson’s Heroes Diary
Christelle Kwizera’s Heroes Diary
ABH is the flagship philanthropic project spearheaded by the Jack Ma Foundation and is not related to Alibaba Group's business. We cannot guarantee or offer a partnership with Alibaba as part of this prize.
GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Yes, it is free to apply! You can create a free profile and begin your application here.
Yes, you can apply as many times as you like, but your business must show continuous growth and improvement each time you reapply. Just make sure that you are eligible based on the criteria each year. Some of our previous finalists had applied more than once, 2023 2nd Runner-up Ayman Bazaara had applied twice before he finally made it all the way!
  • Complete and submit ALL mandatory questions in the online ABH application.
  • Record and upload a video introduction of yourself that is a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds.
  • Nominate a reference who can provide details on your character, leadership, and achievements.
No, we’re looking for authentic and compelling stories. You can use your phone, personal camera, or laptop to film it. Just make sure your video is filmed horizontally, the audio is clear and is in English. If you include local languages, please add subtitles or translate them into either English.

You can watch this video for insights on how to shoot your video: How to shoot your video.
If your business is innovative, scalable, and socially impactful, it is a great fit! Whether you are at the seed stage or already growing, if you believe your business can make a significant contribution to Africa’s future, we encourage you to apply.
  1. Start early! It’s an extensive application so work on the easy questions first, skip the hard questions, and return to them later. Some of our strongest applications came from applicants who started the application early and submitted it early.
  2. Be prepared. Check the eligibility criteria and get familiar with the application. There are 6 sections in total, and all compulsory questions need to be completed or your application will be disqualified. This includes the video testimonial.
  3. Be concise. ABH has strict word limits, stick to the limits. If you do go over the word limits indicated your responses will not be recorded.
  4. Be memorable & bold. The more compelling you are, the more compelling your application will be. Judges are reading through several applications so do your best to articulate the key factors that make your business stand out.
  5. Be persuasive with examples & data. Back up your points with data, and cite sources where possible to add legitimacy to your application.
  6. Leverage all ABH resources. You can download the application to work on it offline, click on the info icon throughout the application for extra guidance, attend application support workshops, sign up for office hours, or chat with an ABH support hero if you have any uncertainty.


You can find a Do’s and Dont’s presentation here for extra tips and guidance.
To make your application stand out:

  • Be clear and concise: Tell us exactly what problem your business is solving and how it’s making a difference.
  • Show growth potential: Share your business’s milestones and what you’ve learned so far.
  • Include a compelling story: We love to hear about your entrepreneurial journey challenges, wins, and vision for the future!
  • Provide metrics: Where possible, include data that demonstrates the success and impact of your business.
The application portal has an auto-save feature you can enable either at the start of your application process or in the top right corner of the application portal. This feature will automatically ask if you would like to save your application progress every 15 minutes to help ensure you don’t lose any information.

We also recommend periodically clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of each page to ensure your changes are saved. When you log back into your application, it will resume from the last page you saved on so remember to hit the “Save” button before you log off.
We recommend you download the application and fill it in offline and then upload the answers when it's convenient, before the application deadline: May 23rd, 2025.

Additionally, if you encounter any technical issues while submitting your application, please contact our support team immediately at info@africabusinessheroes.org. They will assist you as quickly as possible to ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.
Ensure that your documents are in an acceptable format (PDF, JPEG, PNG) and do not exceed the size limit. If the problem persists, try refreshing the page or using a different browser. If you're still having issues, please contact us at info@africabusinessheroes.org.
Start by reading the ‘TIPS’ under the question.

If you have questions or need help filling out your application, the ABH team is here to assist you! Reach out to us via email at info@africabusinessheroes.org, WhatsApp at +250 792 575 614, or check out our application guide for detailed instructions. We are committed to helping you present your business in the best possible way.
Yes, once you’ve submitted your application you can edit it until the deadline. Simply log back into your account, make any necessary changes, and hit save. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the ABH team, and we’ll be happy to help.
If you receive an error message after submission, don’t worry. Please take a screenshot of the message and contact our support team for guidance via email at info@africabusinessheroes.org.

Please include the screenshot and share your details including the email you applied with, your full name, and your company name so we can assist in resolving the issue and confirm whether your application has been successfully submitted.
If you don’t receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of submitting your application, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still haven't received it, contact ABH support at info@africabusinessheroes.org and include your full name, the email you applied with, and your business name so we can confirm if your application was successfully submitted.
To check the status of your application, simply log into your account on the ABH platform. From your application portal, you’ll be able to view the current status. Additionally, keep an eye on your inbox because the ABH team will send you regular updates and notifications about your progress.
Yes! The ABH Prize is open to applicants who have won or participated in other competitions. We’re interested in businesses that show innovation and impact, no matter how many competitions you’ve entered before. Just be sure to focus on your current business goals and vision when applying.
Yes, you can submit an application for each business, but each business must meet the eligibility criteria and be submitted as a separate application. Be sure to clearly explain the uniqueness and viability of each business in its respective application.

Only one of your businesses can be shortlisted for the grant though, so we advise focusing on the application for your strongest business.
Yes, the application portal is mobile-friendly. You can submit your application using your phone or tablet, but we recommend using a computer for the best experience.
Yes, if you choose to withdraw your application, you can do so before the submission deadline. Simply contact the ABH team at info@africabusinessheroes.org to request your withdrawal.
Currently, the ABH competition accepts applications in English and French. If you are applying in another language, you may need to provide a translated version of your application.
ELIGIBILITY
The ABH Prize is for ALL businesses. From tech startups to social enterprises, we’re looking for businesses that solve real-world problems. Whether you’re tackling health, education, agriculture, fintech, or the environment, if your business has a positive impact on your community or beyond, we want to hear from you!

Applicants simply need to meet a strict, but simple set of criteria:

  1. Applicant is of African origin. You should have African citizenship and/or a parent or grandparent has African citizenship.
  2. The company is legally registered. The business should be registered with the government in at least 1 African country. It should have a business license to operate.
  3. The company is Africa-based. The business is headquartered in an African country and primarily operates in Africa.
  4. The company is in a post-idea stage. The business has been operational for at least 3 years and has at least 3 years of revenue history that can be provided.
No, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply. Only individuals of African origin or African descent may apply. In other words, you must either have African citizenship OR a parent/grandparent has African citizenship.
Although, we celebrate rapidly growing businesses you can only apply if your business is at least 3 years old. You will need to have a registration document showing that you are a legally registered company as well as submit proof that you have been operating for at least 3 years. If your company is not legally registered and is less than 3 years old, we encourage you to consider applying again at a later stage when your company is eligible. For more details on eligibility, please visit here.

In the meantime, we encourage you to subscribe to the ABH newsletter here to learn about other opportunities that may be relevant to you.
Yes, companies need to be formally registered to apply. This means that you need to be registered with the relevant government authority and have a license to operate. Please note that you will be required to submit your business license as proof of eligibility.
NGOs can apply. However, like other applicants, you will need to demonstrate financial sustainability and show that you have customers/users. Please note that your clients can be government, development agencies, and others. You must also show that you have generated revenue for at least 3 years. Kindly note, that you can classify a grant as revenue.
Unfortunately, this competition is only open to post-idea stage companies (businesses with at least a 3-year operational track record) so you can't apply with just an idea.

However, the competition will run till 2029 so you can apply when you're eligible! In the meantime, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates! Facebook & Instagram: @africabusinessheroes and X: @africa_heroes.
SELECTION PROCESS
  • The business is legally registered. You must have a business license issued by the government.
  • The business has at least 3 years of revenue history. Your business must have made revenue in 3 distinct years. You will need to be able to prove this during due diligence.
  • The applicant is either the founder or co-founder of the business and is either African or of African descent: We disqualify candidates who are not the Founder or Co-Founder of the business, and who are not African nationals or of African descent (at least one of their parents/grandparents is an African national).
  • All mandatory questions of the application have been answered. Applicants who do not answer all mandatory questions will not be able to complete the application form. Mandatory questions will be marked with an Asterix (*) and you will not be able to submit your application if any mandatory questions are incomplete.
  • An independent reference has been provided. We will disqualify any applicant who provides their details in the reference section rather than listing a mentor, friend, supplier, or colleague.
  • Appropriateness of Video Content: We disqualify applicants who submit inappropriate content and/or are not about the requested topic.
  • Fit to ABH: ABH judges look out for applicants who are not simply good businessmen or women but who are inspiring. They assess the candidate’s sense of purpose, vision, and leadership qualities.
  • Problem/Need: Our judges evaluate whether the problem or need to be addressed by the applicant is significant. We're looking for businesses that are solving pain points for customers or addressing unfulfilled needs.
  • Solution: ABH judges assess how each business is addressing the problem/need they've identified and whether the solution is unique and has a competitive advantage.
  • Market Traction: Our judges look out for whether there is demand for the business's product/service. We emphasize solutions that have customers and where there is demonstrated demand for the solution.
  • Financial Sustainability: ABH judges evaluate the financial status and prospects of businesses. We emphasize revenue models that show sustainability, and scalability, and that have generated income.
  • Team: Our judges assess applicants' understanding of their teams including their key roles, strengths, weaknesses, and their management approach. We believe in the power of teamwork and we’re looking for entrepreneurs who have strong teams.
  • References: ABH judges evaluate your character, leadership potential, achievements, and impact based on what others say about you. The submitted reference and customer testimonial video are important tools to allow us to do this.
We see business heroes as individuals who are passionate, bold, resilient, mission-driven, innovative, impact-oriented, and visionary.

Ultimately, we’re looking for individuals creating positive change in the communities they operate in and using innovative solutions to address challenging and pertinent problems and specific market gaps.

You can learn more about the type of entrepreneurs we seek by learning about our past Heroes here: 2019 Heroes, 2020 Heroes, 2021 Heroes, 2022 Heroes, 2023 Heroes.
You will receive an email to say we have successfully received your application, and then all you need to do is wait to see if you have been shortlisted.

After the deadline has passed, your application will be pre-screened by our system to make sure it meets all of our eligibility criteria. All eligible applications are then independently reviewed by three ABH Round 1 Judges to shortlist our Top 50 finalists.

You’ll receive a status update in July and feedback on your application. Keep an eye on your email, or log back into the ABH application portal for updates. You can also reach out to us at info@africabusinessheroes.org at any time if you need any assistance.
Applications close on May 23rd, 2025. We will begin notifying applicants of their status in July. If you’re successful, you will be contacted via email and we will share key information to help you prepare for the next phase of the competition.

If you’re unsuccessful, you will receive an email informing you that you’ve not been admitted into the next round. You will also receive feedback on your application which you will be able to access by logging back into the application portal later this year.
Yes! While we can’t provide detailed feedback to every applicant, we’ll send you a brief response on the outcome of your application. For finalists, we also offer constructive feedback to help you improve your business further.
ABH judges are true leaders in their industries and communities. They bring diverse backgrounds, accomplishments, and skill sets to the table.

They are selected based on referrals from our partners, judges, and community members and based on our evaluation of their business, investment, and or professional experience as well as their alignment with ABH’s values. Importantly, they are all highly qualified with experience in building, managing, and/or investing in successful companies.

If you know of a business professional with a passion for helping uplift African entrepreneurs, you can refer them here.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or judge, you can express your interest by completing a short application form here or by reaching out to us directly at info@africabusinessheroes.org. We are always looking for experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Before the Grand Finale, we have three independent judging rounds and due diligence by a third party that provides us with several opportunities to thoroughly assess candidates.

Round 1 & Round 2: Each application is assessed by three independent judges. We work to ensure that judges are matched to applicants based on sector expertise and language ability. In addition, through our matching system, we also ensure that applications referred by partners are not assessed by judges referred through the same partner. We perform additional quality control and internal calibration after each round of judging to ensure judges are scoring applications fairly.

Due Diligence: All our short-listed Top 20 finalists go through rigorous due diligence by an external party before they progress to the semi-final.

Semi-Final: We have a panel of distinguished judges drawn from diverse sectors and geographies to ensure diversity in opinion and expertise to fairly assess candidates. The same panel assesses each of our Top 20 and they then deliberate on who the Top 10 finalists are.
GENERAL FAQs
At ABH, a "hero" is an entrepreneur who demonstrates vision, resilience, and a strong commitment to solving problems through innovative business ideas. Our heroes are leaders in their communities, tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges through entrepreneurship, and inspiring others to take action.
Absolutely! While only the top 10 finalists receive the cash prize, all applicants can benefit from ABH’s network of partners, investors, and mentors. We encourage applicants to stay engaged with ABH, attend events, and participate in ongoing programs. Sign up for our newsletter here to access additional community opportunities.

ABH offers valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to investors and other key stakeholders. We encourage all participants to remain engaged with the ABH community and take advantage of the resources available.
The protection of our candidates’ data is a high priority for us. As such, all our judges are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to ensure the confidentiality of our candidates. We also have a rigorous Privacy Policy that is designed to protect our candidates.

Our application is designed to understand your company and you as a Founder in holistic terms. We require you to provide enough details that allow judges to understand:

  • Who you are as a founder/co-founder.
  • The problem your company aims to address and why it is important.
  • How you’ve created impact and solved the problem.
  • An indication of how you plan to further amplify your impact.
  • You do not need to provide any commercially sensitive information or any ideas that you plan to patent to submit a strong application.
Africa has the highest percentage of women-led businesses in the world. Women make up 30% of the ABH applicant pool. This figure rises with women accounting for 42% of the 50 ABH finalists and 60% of the Grand Prize winners in the first 4 years. Women have also been awarded 47% of the ABH prize money to date. This representation is crucial when on average male entrepreneurs receive 25 times more investment than females.

At ABH, we strongly believe in empowering women entrepreneurs. We actively encourage and support women-led businesses through mentorship, training, and access to funding. If you’re a woman entrepreneur, don’t hesitate to apply—you are a vital part of Africa’s business future!
The ABH Summit is a global event where entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders come together to discuss innovation, share experiences, and build connections. This event is open to everyone, not only ABH finalists so join our community to stay up to date on how to participate in this event. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to connect with some of the brightest minds in business!
Follow us on social media and join our mailing list! Our monthly newsletter features updates and insights from ABH and the broader African entrepreneurial community. You’ll receive event invitations, entrepreneurial news, and stories from fellow entrepreneurs directly to your inbox.
The ABH Grand Finale is the culmination of a year-long journey, where the finalists pitch their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges on the largest entrepreneurial stage on the continent. You’ll hear inspiring stories, witness incredible innovations, and celebrate African entrepreneurship in all its glory. Be sure to watch—it’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Absolutely! The ABH Grand Finale is open to anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. It’s an inspiring event where you can meet our finalists, network with entrepreneurs, and learn from some of the leading figures in business.
If you're interested in partnering with or sponsoring the ABH competition, please contact us directly at info@africabusinessheroes.org for more information.