15 May 2024

One of the continent’s prestigious entrepreneurship support programme, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is currently taking applications until June 9.

ABH is a philanthropic programme that support upcoming African entrepreneurs by Jack Ma Foundation.

According to the ABH website, the top ten finalists share a prize pool of about P20 million in grants.

The winner takes home about P4 million, the first and 2nd runners-up take about P3.4 million and P2 million respectively.

Whilst all other seven finalists, take home about P1.4 million and each an additional P1.4 is allocated for global immersion training.

Apart from financial gains, the website states that the finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterward.

“Our mission is to showcase and grow local talent who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond, and inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship”.

During the last year ABH cycle, local entrepreneur, Dr Matlhogonolo Mongwa-Mouwane of Kalafhi Medical Center was selected among top 50 finalists from over 27 000 applications from 54 African countries although she could not proceed.

Ins 2022, two locals Ms Melissa Tafila and Mr Tendekayi Katsiga made it to the top 50 and were selected from a pool of 21 000 applications from across all 54 African countries and they also failed to proceed to the next round.

The country’s representative best run in the competition was in 2021 when The Bulb World founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ketshephaone Jacob made it to the top ten finalists. ENDS