Application Now Open For The Africa Netpreneur Prize

Nathan Ernest Olupot March 29, 2019

Less than a minute

Alibaba Founder, Jack Ma speaking to entrepreneurs at the launch of the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative during his visit to Africa | File Photo.

The Jack Ma Foundation on Wednesday Mar. 27th begun accepting applications for the ‘Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI)’ initiative that will see 10 entrepreneurs compete for the USD$1 million (approx. UGX3.8 billion) cash prize.

The foundation is accepting applications till June 30th.

50 applicants will be selected — in August to pitch their products to selected judges. Only 10 entrepreneurs will emerge finalists and announced in October for the grand finale in November.

The challenge is open to entrepreneurs who are nationals from any of the 54 African countries. In addition, open to all industry sectors. The youth and women entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.

NINE (Nigeria), RiseUp (Egypt), and 22 On Sloane (South Africa) will work with Nailab as initiative’s continental partners to run the Africa Netpreneur Prize.

Africa Netpreneur Prize aims at empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs. Especially with a focus on SMEs, grassroots communities and women-founded enterprises that are growing the continent’s growing digital economy.

The initiative is scheduled to run for 10 years — on a USD$10 million budget, spending USD$1 million every year on 10 emerging winners.