Africa's Business Heroes Competition 2026

Up to $300,000 per winner; $1.5 million total distributed annually across finalists.

Runs annually; the last cycle closed April 28, 2026. Check africabusinessheroes.org for the next round.

AMOUNT

Up to $300,000 per winner; $1.5 million total distributed annually across finalists.

AMOUNT

Up to $300,000 per winner; $1.5 million total distributed annually across finalists.

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed April 28, 2026. Check africabusinessheroes.org for the next round.

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed April 28, 2026. Check africabusinessheroes.org for the next round.

FUNDING TYPE

Grant, Pitch Competition

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You need to be an African entrepreneur running a business in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, or logistics.

The competition is open to early-stage and growth-stage founders operating in Africa. Individual grants go up to $300,000, with $1.5 million distributed in total across winners.

YOUR REAL ODDS

This is a highly competitive pan-continental pitch competition backed by Alibaba and the Jack Ma Foundation.

The prize pool is split among a small number of finalists, so only a handful of businesses win meaningful funding. The program draws applicants from across Africa, making it a competitive field.

WHAT IT TAKES

Register and complete your application online — 1–3 hours
Progress through selection rounds (semi-finals, finals) — Several weeks to months
Pitch at the Grand Finale if selected — 1 day event

WORTH KNOWING

ABH offers office hours and workshops for applicants, which are worth using to strengthen your application before it's reviewed.

Apply on the funder’s site →

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