Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition 2026
USD 1.5 million grant pool with USD 300,000 grand prize for ten outstanding African entrepreneurs running businesses with at least three years of revenue.
About this Program
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) is the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation. The 8th edition, themed "Defining Africa's Future Today", awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists, with the top winner receiving USD 300,000, the first runner-up USD 250,000, the second runner-up USD 150,000, and remaining finalists USD 100,000 each plus an additional USD 100,000 for global immersion training at Alibaba's campus in Hangzhou, China. Since 2019, the programme has supported 60 Heroes and grown from 10,000 applications annually to over 30,000.
Benefits & What You Get
Share of USD 1.5 million grant pool (USD 300,000 / 250,000 / 150,000 / 100,000 x 7), tailored training in financial management, marketing, IP, and investment readiness, mentorship, media exposure, lifetime access to the ABH Community, and immersive learning at Alibaba HQ in Hangzhou.
Eligibility
Founder or co-founder who is an African citizen or direct descendant. Company must be registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in an African country, with at least three years of revenue and demonstrated market traction. Open to all sectors, ages, and genders.
Equity Terms
Zero Equity (Grant)