Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.
Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.
Speaking on the grant, Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes, said, “Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential
“Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org
Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 Grant
In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive. The programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia.
These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.
In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses.
Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.
Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org
Eligibility
Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:
- Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
- Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
- Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
- Show a commitment to positive societal impact
ABH is a sector agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.
Applications Now Open
Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.
Applications close on April 28th 2026.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org
