Closed
Source verified August 12, 2026
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize
Support for African entrepreneurs to grow businesses
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: May 10, 2026Latest change: The ABH pages now show a later application deadline and updated FAQ guidance on applying.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 10, 2026
Latest change: The ABH pages now show a later application deadline and updated FAQ guidance on applying.
ABH deadline and FAQ updated
Africa’s Business Heroes updated the application deadline to May 7, 2026 on the prize guidance and FAQ pages. The FAQ content also now includes refreshed application instructions and support guidance, including required application elements and submission help for applicants.
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 300,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) supports African entrepreneurs through a competition that shares USD 1.5 million in grant funding. It welcomes founders and co-founders from all African countries, sectors and age groups, and finalists receive mentorship, training programs, networking opportunities and publicity to help them grow their businesses.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Building and growing African businesses with positive community impact.
- Innovative, scalable, and socially impactful entrepreneurship.
- Competition pitches for finalists selected for the Grand Finale.
Documents Needed
- Personal Government-Issued ID
- Business License/Registration Certificate
- Proof of Operation for 3+ Years, if your business has not been registered for three years
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Founders or co-founders of the business.
- African citizens or direct descendants of an African citizen.
- Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.
- Entrepreneurs of all ages and genders.
- Entrepreneurs from all industries.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Commercial or security-sensitive information, including passwords and patentable ideas, should not be disclosed in the application.
Eligible geographic areas
- All 54 African countries
Selection criteria
- Fit with ABH purpose, vision, and leadership qualities.
- Size of the problem or need addressed.
- Strength and uniqueness of the solution.
- Market traction and customer demand.
- Financial sustainability and team strength.
How to apply
- Create a free profile and begin your application.
- Review the application guidelines carefully before getting started.
- Download the application form and complete it offline if needed.
- Prepare the required documents, the mandatory founder video, references, and financial details.
- Answer all mandatory questions, save your changes, and submit your final application.
Processing and Agreement
- A confirmation email is sent after submission.
- Applications are pre-screened after the deadline for eligibility.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by three judges in Round 1.
- Shortlisted applicants receive a status update in June and feedback.
- Successful applicants are contacted by email for the next stage.
Additional information
- It is free to apply.
- Applications can be submitted in English and French.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Program
What is the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize?
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) supports African entrepreneurs through a competition that shares USD 1.5 million in grant funding. It welcomes founders and co-founders from all African countries, sectors and age groups, and finalists receive mentorship, training programs, networking opportunities and publicity to help them grow their businesses.
How much funding can be received?
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Funds up to $300,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize program?
To be eligible for the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize program, you must:
Founder or co-founder of the business
African citizen or direct descendant of an African citizen
Business formally registered, headquartered and primarily operating in an African country, with at least three years of revenue and demonstrated market traction
What expenses are eligible under Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize?
Building and growing African businesses with positive community impact.
Innovative, scalable, and socially impactful entrepreneurship.
Competition pitches for finalists selected for the Grand Finale.
Who can I contact for more information about the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize?
You can contact Jack Ma Foundation (JMF) by email at info@africabusinessheroes.org or by phone at +250 792 575 614.
Where is the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize available?
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize program is available across Canada.
Is the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize is a Grant and Funding