ABH is dedicated to discovering, supporting, and encouraging the upcoming wave of African entrepreneurs who are actively contributing to their communities, addressing critical challenges, and fostering a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.

This initiative is committed to inclusivity, welcoming applications in both English and French from entrepreneurs across all African nations, industries, and age groups, provided their businesses are formally established and headquartered within an African nation and have been operational for at least three years.

Annually, ABH selects ten entrepreneurs to participate in the grand finale pitch competition. Beyond competing, these finalists gain significant visibility through high-quality videos that share their entrepreneurial stories and experiences within the ABH program. Efforts are made to collaborate with local media and influencers throughout the continent to arrange interviews that highlight the entrepreneurs' ventures and their contributions. Ultimately, these finalists vie for a portion of the US $1.5 million grant.

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Furthermore, all finalists become part of an elite network of entrepreneurial minds, business experts, investors, and mentors. They also receive access to training and networking events designed to bolster their entrepreneurial journey.

Benefits of the programme

Grant funds of up to $300,000

Our Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The winner takes home $300,000; The 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up take home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists, take home $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for global immersion training.

Global recognition and exposure

ABH spotlights talented African entrepreneurs as finalists progress in the competition via press releases, social media, and news articles at every stage of the competition. We also provide significant exposure opportunities to the Top 10 finalists via extensive PR exposure and media coverage.

Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network

Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.

Mentorship from business icons

Our finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterwards.

Targeted and practical training programs

ABH community members are given access to a range of bespoke training programs including financial management, marketing insights, understanding IP law, and more. Finalists are also given the opportunity to access additional programs and services such as investment readiness and management training via our network of partners and judges.

Insights into your business

Throughout the application process, we help our applicants strengthen their storytelling and pitching efforts via an introspective application process. Applicants are also given feedback at each stage of the competition, and they receive advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs throughout the competition.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You’re the founder or a co-founder.
• You’re an African citizen or the direct descendant (child/grandchild) of an African citizen.
• Your company is registered, headquartered and primarily in an African country.
• Your company has market traction and at least 3 years of revenue.

How to Apply

• Step 1: Register an ABH account
• Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
• Step 3: Fill in the application
• Step 4: Get a reference
• Step 5: Submit a video of a customer testimonial

Interested applicants can apply here. The deadline for the Africa's Business Heroes is May 19 2024.