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Fifth round of applications launches for Africa Business Heroes, in collaboration with RiseUp's North Africa division.

Call for entries for the fifth round of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH), a programme promoting African entrepreneurs and their startups. The lucky top 10 contestants will split a $1.5 million cash prize to further develop their businesses. The ABH programme is the flagship charitable initiative...

Applications for the fifth edition of Africa Business Heroes, a partnership between RiseUp in North...
Applications for the fifth edition of Africa Business Heroes, a partnership between RiseUp in North Africa, have been launched.

Fifth round of applications launches for Africa Business Heroes, in collaboration with RiseUp's North Africa division.

The fifth edition of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH), the Jack Ma Foundation's flagship philanthropic program, has opened applications for entrepreneurs across Africa. This competition seeks forward-thinking individuals who are building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the continent.

RiseUp, the anchor partner in North Africa for ABH for the fifth year in a row, is leading the charge. Eligibility criteria for the competition include being an African entrepreneur, being a founder or co-founder of a business legally registered in Africa, and demonstrating business operation and revenues for at least three years.

The application process involves several stages:

  1. Online Application Submission: Entrepreneurs submit their applications through the official ABH website during the open call period.
  2. Initial Screening and Selection: Applications are evaluated based on business potential, innovation, impact, and sustainability.
  3. Shortlisting of Top 50 Finalists: These entrepreneurs proceed to a more intensive phase including virtual boot camps and training sessions led by experts.
  4. Due Diligence and Further Evaluation: Top candidates undergo further due diligence and interviews.
  5. Selection of Top 10 Finalists: These finalists make business pitches in a grand finale and compete for a share of the prize fund, which was $1.5 million in 2023.
  6. Final Event: A live, televised competition is held where finalists present their businesses to judges and a wider audience, culminating in awarding grants to the winners.

Aside from the financial rewards, ABH offers capacity-building opportunities, including training on digital marketing, investment readiness, leveraging technology, and leadership. It also provides platforms for storytelling and networking to enhance visibility.

For precise eligibility criteria and application instructions, entrepreneurs should consult the official Africa’s Business Heroes website or the Jack Ma Foundation's announcements associated with the year's competition cycle.

By participating in ABH, entrepreneurs gain access to a community of international leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors, and accelerators. They also connect with other entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, creating a unique platform for African entrepreneurs to showcase their startups and contribute to the economic transformation of the continent.

The deadline for applications for the fifth edition of Africa's Business Heroes is May 12, 2023. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of Africa's business revolution. Apply today!

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