Deadline: June 30, 2025
Applications are open for the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Competition 2025. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is dedicated to identifying, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are driving impact in their communities, tackling pressing challenges, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
As an inclusive initiative, ABH welcomes applications from entrepreneurs across all African countries, sectors, and age groups. Applications are available in English and French and are open to businesses that are formally registered, headquartered in Africa, and have a track record of at least three years.
Each year, ten outstanding finalists are selected to compete in the ABH Grand Finale pitch competition, where they showcase their businesses for a chance to win a share of $1.5 million in grant funding. Beyond funding, these finalists receive extensive exposure through high-quality video features, media coverage, and influencer collaborations that spotlight their entrepreneurial journeys and the impact they are making.
Finalists also gain lifetime access to an exclusive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, business professionals, and mentors. Additionally, they benefit from training programs, networking opportunities, and ongoing support to help scale their businesses and drive even greater impact.
Benefits
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is more than just a competition, it’s a transformational platform designed to equip African entrepreneurs with funding, exposure, mentorship, training, and a powerful network to help them scale their businesses:
- Grant funds of up to $300 000: The 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 shines a spotlight on exceptional African entrepreneurs through press releases, social media campaigns, and media coverage at every stage of the competition. The Top 10 finalists receive extensive PR opportunities, amplifying their brand and business.
- Exclusive Entrepreneurial Community & Network: Finalists join an elite community of Africa’s most impactful entrepreneurs, gaining access to networking events, collaboration opportunities, and connections with business leaders across the continent.
- Mentorship from Business Icons: ABH finalists receive one-on-one mentorship from global business leaders, investors, and industry experts, both during and after the competition, helping them refine their strategies and scale their businesses.
- Targeted and Practical Training Programs: ABH provides tailored training in financial management, marketing, intellectual property (IP) law, investment readiness, and business growth strategies. Finalists gain access to exclusive programs and partner services to strengthen their business acumen.
- Valuable Business Insights & Feedback: The application process itself is a learning journey, helping entrepreneurs refine their storytelling and pitching. Participants receive feedback and guidance at each stage from experienced business professionals and industry veterans.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the ABH competition, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the founder or co-founder of the business.
- You must be an African citizen or a direct descendant (child or grandchild) of an African citizen.
- Your company must be registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in an African country.
- Your business must have at least three years of revenue and demonstrated market traction.
Application
To apply,
- Register an ABH account
- Confirm your eligibility
- Fill in the application
- Get a reference
- Submit a video of a customer testimonial
For more information, visit Africa Business Heroes (ABH) Competition.
