Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities.

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial minds.

The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:

• have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
• are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
• have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
• operate in 52 African countries

As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent.

ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French.

Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

“Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services.

It’s been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, Africa’s Business Heroes.

To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year’s winners were chosen from 27,267 applicants from sectors spanning agriculture, education and training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.

The competition cumulated in the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists mounted Africa’s largest augmented reality-powered stage to present their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges.

ABH constantly explores effective ways to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

As with previous years, the journey to this year’s Grand Finale will also include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, industry experts and investors as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.

To better facilitate the engagement with entrepreneurs and facilitate applications, this year ABH will organize a series of roadshows in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.

These events will be conducted in collaboration with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members.

Participants will gain valuable insights into the ABH initiative as well as enhance their chances of success in the competition. Further details regarding the roadshows and information sessions will be disseminated via ABH’s official social media channels and newsletters.

Applications for the ABH Prize Competition 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.

To apply for the ABH Prize Competition and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH’s website.

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