Africa’s Business Heroes - COMPETITION 2025

ABH aims to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.

Every year, ten finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition. These finalists also receive extensive exposure through the high-quality video narratives ABH produces about their stories and their ABH journeys. Throughout the process, we work with local media and influencers across the continent to secure interviews spotlighting their businesses and the impact they are having. The finalists ultimately compete for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.

All finalists also join an exclusive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors, and mentors. In addition, they get access to training and networking opportunities to further support them on their business journey.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

We are looking for Africa's Business Heroes who are bold, passionate, resilient, innovative and impact-oriented. African business owners from all 54 African countries are eligible to apply irrespective of age, industry sector or gender. However, ANPI has a strict set of criteria:

• Applicant should be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company.
• Applicant has African citizenship or is the child or grand-child of an African citizen.
• The Company is Africa-Based. The business is registered and headquartered in an African country, and primarily operates in Africa Company is post-Idea stage.
• Business is 3 years old or more and has at least 3 years of revenue history

BENEFITS OF APPLYING

ABH is more than your average competition, and has been designed to provide both applicants and finalists with a range of benefits to meet the needs of entrepreneurs across the African ecosystem:

• Grant funds of up to $300 000: Our 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 spotlights talented African entrepreneurs as finalists progress in the competition via press releases, social media, and news articles at every stage of the competition. We also provide significant exposure opportunities to the Top 10 finalists via extensive PR exposure and media coverage.
• Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network: Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.
• Mentorship from business icons: Our finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterward.
• Targeted and practical training programs: ABH community members are given access to a range of bespoke training programs including financial management, marketing insights, understanding IP law, and more. Finalists are also given the opportunity to access additional programs and services such as investment readiness and management training via our network of partners and judges.
• Insights into your business: Throughout the application process, we help our applicants strengthen their storytelling and pitching efforts via an introspective application process. Applicants are also given feedback at each stage of the competition, and they receive advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs throughout the competition.