Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) has officially opened applications for its 8th edition, unlocking USD 1.5 million in grant funding for African entrepreneurs building transformative businesses across the continent. The initiative, backed by Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, continues to position itself as one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurship platforms.
Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2026 edition strengthens ABH’s founder-first approach and deepens its commitment to Africa-led innovation. Across Africa, entrepreneurs are tackling food insecurity, climate change, digital finance gaps, healthcare access, and logistics bottlenecks. As a result, ABH aims to identify bold founders and accelerate their growth through funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes, emphasized that entrepreneurs are shaping the continent’s economic destiny. She explained that the platform goes beyond the USD 1.5 million grant funding. Instead, it equips founders with visibility, strategic mentorship, and access to influential networks that help them scale sustainable enterprises. Consequently, selected entrepreneurs gain tools that enable them to create jobs, drive innovation, and promote inclusive growth.
In 2026, ABH will intensify its on-the-ground engagement by visiting ten African markets. Notably, the programme will prioritize underrepresented countries such as Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. Through community events, ecosystem workshops, and founder engagements, ABH plans to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems while expanding access to its pan-African platform.
Additionally, ABH has expanded its recognition pool. This year, the initiative will announce a Top 100 finalists list instead of the traditional Top 50. Applications have grown significantly since 2019, increasing from around 10,000 to more than 30,000 annually. Therefore, the expanded recognition reflects rising demand and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader pipeline of innovative African businesses.
Since its inception, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a competition. Each year, the platform awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. However, shortlisted founders also receive structured training, mentorship, and long-term community support. Moreover, Top 10 finalists participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. During this programme, entrepreneurs connect with global industry leaders and explore best practices in digital transformation and scaling technology-enabled ventures.
The 7th edition concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe emerging as Africa’s Business Hero. The Tanzanian co-founder and CEO of NovFeed impressed judges with her biotech venture, which converts organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed. Her innovation addresses both food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.
Reflecting on her win, Orembe described the experience as transformative. She noted that while the funding accelerated NovFeed’s expansion, the mentorship, business training, and continental visibility proved equally valuable. Furthermore, she highlighted that ABH challenges founders to refine their strategies and amplify their long-term impact.
The previous edition attracted more than 31,000 applications and awarded USD 1.5 million to ten finalists representing seven African countries. This strong participation underscores the depth and diversity of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. At the same time, it reinforces ABH’s growing reputation as a premier African startup competition.
Applications for the 2026 edition are now open to African founders who are citizens or legal residents of an African country. Applicants must lead a registered business headquartered in Africa, demonstrate at least three years of traction, and show measurable societal impact. Importantly, the competition remains sector-agnostic. Entrepreneurs in food systems, climate and energy, fintech, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other high-impact sectors are encouraged to apply.
Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future can submit applications in English or French. The deadline closes on April 28, 2026, and submissions are available via the official ABH website.
As Africa’s startup ecosystem continues to expand, Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 offers more than funding. It provides credibility, continental visibility, and access to a powerful network capable of unlocking the next wave of African economic transformation.Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) has officially opened applications for its 8th edition, unlocking USD 1.5 million in grant funding for African entrepreneurs building transformative businesses across the continent. The initiative, backed by Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, continues to position itself as one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurship platforms.
Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2026 edition strengthens ABH’s founder-first approach and deepens its commitment to Africa-led innovation. Across Africa, entrepreneurs are tackling food insecurity, climate change, digital finance gaps, healthcare access, and logistics bottlenecks. As a result, ABH aims to identify bold founders and accelerate their growth through funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes, emphasized that entrepreneurs are shaping the continent’s economic destiny. She explained that the platform goes beyond the USD 1.5 million grant funding. Instead, it equips founders with visibility, strategic mentorship, and access to influential networks that help them scale sustainable enterprises. Consequently, selected entrepreneurs gain tools that enable them to create jobs, drive innovation, and promote inclusive growth.
In 2026, ABH will intensify its on-the-ground engagement by visiting ten African markets. Notably, the programme will prioritize underrepresented countries such as Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. Through community events, ecosystem workshops, and founder engagements, ABH plans to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems while expanding access to its pan-African platform.
Additionally, ABH has expanded its recognition pool. This year, the initiative will announce a Top 100 finalists list instead of the traditional Top 50. Applications have grown significantly since 2019, increasing from around 10,000 to more than 30,000 annually. Therefore, the expanded recognition reflects rising demand and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader pipeline of innovative African businesses.
Since its inception, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a competition. Each year, the platform awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. However, shortlisted founders also receive structured training, mentorship, and long-term community support. Moreover, Top 10 finalists participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. During this programme, entrepreneurs connect with global industry leaders and explore best practices in digital transformation and scaling technology-enabled ventures.
The 7th edition concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe emerging as Africa’s Business Hero. The Tanzanian co-founder and CEO of NovFeed impressed judges with her biotech venture, which converts organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed. Her innovation addresses both food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.
Reflecting on her win, Orembe described the experience as transformative. She noted that while the funding accelerated NovFeed’s expansion, the mentorship, business training, and continental visibility proved equally valuable. Furthermore, she highlighted that ABH challenges founders to refine their strategies and amplify their long-term impact.
The previous edition attracted more than 31,000 applications and awarded USD 1.5 million to ten finalists representing seven African countries. This strong participation underscores the depth and diversity of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. At the same time, it reinforces ABH’s growing reputation as a premier African startup competition.
Applications for the 2026 edition are now open to African founders who are citizens or legal residents of an African country. Applicants must lead a registered business headquartered in Africa, demonstrate at least three years of traction, and show measurable societal impact. Importantly, the competition remains sector-agnostic. Entrepreneurs in food systems, climate and energy, fintech, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other high-impact sectors are encouraged to apply.
Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future can submit applications in English or French. The deadline closes on April 28, 2026, and submissions are available via the official ABH website.
As Africa’s startup ecosystem continues to expand, Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 offers more than funding. It provides credibility, continental visibility, and access to a powerful network capable of unlocking the next wave of African economic transformation.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org
