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Source verified April 21, 2026
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize
Support for African entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship
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
May 7, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Africa’s Business Heroes is a pan-African prize competition for entrepreneurs of African origin or descent, with finalists competing for USD 1.5 million in grant funding. It supports businesses headquartered and operating in Africa through mentorship, training, exposure, and networking.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
- Youth (<40)
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
- Government-issued ID
- Business registration document
- Proof of operation for 3+ years, if applicable
- Reference details
- Founder video
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs from all African countries.
- Businesses from all sectors.
- Seed-stage to growth-stage companies with at least 3 years of operation.
- NGOs with revenue history and customers or users.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are not of African origin or descent.
- Businesses that are not legally registered in Africa.
- Businesses with less than 3 years of operation.
- Businesses without 3 years of revenue history.
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
- Step 1: Register and start the online application
- Create a free profile on the ABH platform.
- Review the application guidelines before starting.
- Step 2: Prepare supporting materials
- Gather the required ID, business registration documents, and reference details.
- Prepare the mandatory founder video and any optional testimonial videos.
- Collect financial details and other business information requested in the form.
- Step 3: Complete the application form
- Answer all mandatory questions in the six application sections.
- Upload the required documents and videos.
- Save your progress and review the application before submitting.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit the completed application by 7 May 2026.
- Use the portal to track your status after submission.
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
- The application is free to submit.
- Applications can be submitted in English or French.
- You can submit more than one application if you have more than one business, but each business must be separate.
- The portal allows you to save progress and edit your application until the deadline.
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 is a pan-African prize competition for entrepreneurs of African origin or descent, with finalists competing for USD 1.5 million in grant funding. It supports businesses headquartered and operating in Africa through mentorship, training, exposure, and networking.
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
African origin or descent
3+ years of revenue
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