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Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize competition has opened applications for its fifth annual edition, offering a chance for entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries to receive grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

ABH is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy that aims to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in their local communities.

Over 10 years, ABH will recognize a total of 100 African entrepreneurs.

According to the Head of Partnerships & Programs of ABH, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, “At ABH, we have long recognized the potential of entrepreneurs as engines of economic and social growth. Now  in the fifth year of the competition, we are encouraged to see that ABH has grown into a truly Pan-African initiative that is positively impacting the continent’s entrepreneurship landscape.”

The 10 finalists will present their businesses to a panel of legendary business people at the Grand Finale later this year.

In addition to the grant, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the finalists will have access to a community of international business leaders, innovators, industry experts, investors, and accelerators, as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions to help them take their businesses to the next level.

ABH creates a television show every year, following the finalists on their journey to the Grand Finale.

The upcoming edition of the ABH Show will be in shorter episodes and released on ABH’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms from March 2023 onwards.

The ABH Prize Competition is Pan-African, inclusive, sector-agnostic, and grassroots-oriented.

Entrepreneurs from all sectors, genders, ages, and all levels of society are encouraged to submit their applications, in either English or French, for a chance to become one of the top 10 finalists to compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant money.

Over 72,000 entrepreneurs across the continent have participated in the ABH Prize Competition to date.

The 10 outstanding finalists for 2022 were chosen from over 21,000 applicants from 54 African countries, representing a broad spectrum of industries including agriculture, consulting, energy environmental protection, healthcare, information and communication technology (ICT), and retail.

The applications for the ABH Prize Competition are open until May 12, 2023, with the top 50 candidates announced in July, semi-finalists announced in August, and the top 10 finalists unveiled in September.