Following the success of its 6th Summit, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) – the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative in Africa – has officially launched its 2025 call for applications. This year, ABH is building on its momentum to deepen its impact across Africa by actively encouraging applications from typically underrepresented regions in entrepreneurship competitions, including Francophone and Central Africa.
In 2024, the ABH initiative achieved unprecedented diversity milestones, marked by significant female representation, regional inclusivity, and historic firsts. Women constituted 39% of all applicants, with female entrepreneurs dominating 60% of the top 10 finalist spots, underscoring their growing influence. Central Africa celebrated a groundbreaking moment as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produced its first-ever top 10 finalist, symbolizing expanded opportunities in the region. Additionally, the competition witnessed a landmark victory for Francophone Africa when Senegalese entrepreneur Henri Ousmane Gueye secured the Grand Prize, becoming the first Francophone winner—a testament to the program’s evolving reach and inclusivity across linguistic and geographic boundaries. These achievements collectively highlighted ABH’s commitment to fostering global entrepreneurial talent.
Now in its 7th edition, ABH continues its mission to spotlight and support exceptional African entrepreneurs creating positive impact in their communities.
Winning a spot among the ABH finalists unlocks the resources and support needed to elevate a business. The top 10 finalists share US$1.5 million in grant funding, with the grand prize winner receiving US$300,000, the first runner-up US$ 250,000, and the second runner-up US$ 150,000. The remaining finalists each secure US$100,000, plus an additional US$100,000 for global immersion training.
See also: ABH 6th edition crowns winners as 7th edition opens for aspiring entrepreneurs
Beyond funding, ABH finalists gain unparalleled media exposure and access to an exclusive network of Africa’s top business leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. This community enables high-level networking and collaboration as well as mentorship and strategic insights to help scale their ventures. Throughout the competition, they also receive valuable feedback from seasoned professionals, strengthening their business acumen, storytelling, and long-term growth trajectory.
ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the resilience needed to succeed in entrepreneurship, highlighting two standout examples from the 2024 competition.
“Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal won the Grand Prize on his third attempt, and Alexander Odhiambo from Kenya, our second runner-up, applied twice before reaching the top 10.” She added, “Their journeys are a powerful reminder that success at ABH isn’t just about taking home the prize. It’s about resilience — the courage to keep showing up, to learn, to grow, and to keep believing in your vision even when the odds are tough. That’s the true spirit of entrepreneurship, and exactly what ABH celebrates.”
ABH is welcoming applications from entrepreneurs across all sectors and African countries. Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a business registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa. They must be African citizens or direct descendants and have at least three (3) years of revenue with proven market traction.
Judges will rigorously review the applications in the first round to select the top 50 based on merit. These finalists then face in-depth interviews with seasoned business leaders, who assess their potential and narrow the pool to the top 20.
Following due diligence on the top 20, they are announced and advance to the semi-finals, where they pitch in person to a distinguished panel who will then select the final 10, who compete in the Grand Finale’s live pitch competition to determine the winners of the US$1.5 million grant funding.
How to apply
Entrepreneurs eager to seize this opportunity can register (LINK HERE) for an ABH account and confirm their eligibility. The application will require applicants to articulate their personal vision, business model and future plans, alongside submitting a reference and a video introduction.
Aspiring business leaders across Africa are invited to take this bold step toward funding, mentorship, and unparalleled exposure.
Notably, Rwanda will continue to host the ABH event for the next four years. This move reflects the country’s commitment to supporting the business community. The key partners for the event include the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), and the Bank of Kigali.
Jason Pau, Executive Director of the Jack Ma Foundation, made the declaration, reinforcing Rwanda’s rising status as a hub for entrepreneurship in Africa. “I am proud to announce that in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, we will host our finale here in Kigali for the next four years, through the tenth year of the ABH,” Pau said during the ABH Summit that was held a day before the ABH grand finals.
Michelle Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer at RDB, praised the long-term partnership between Rwanda and ABH, calling it a powerful force for fostering entrepreneurship across the continent. “This partnership is a true example of what happens when vision meets action,” she said.
ABH competition is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program wants to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over 10 years and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring, and learning programs, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.
The competition empowers entrepreneurs and captivates audiences with the diversity and ingenuity of the business plans submitted. Each business plan tells a unique story of resilience, creativity, and the drive to make a positive impact in Africa. From innovative tech solutions and beauty and fashion to sustainable agricultural initiatives, the business plans showcased in the competition offer fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa.
