Africa’s Business Heroes 2026 - 8th Edition

About

A competition offering a total of $1.5 million in equity-free funding for African startups, focusing on projects with a positive social impact. Participants will benefit from mentorship, capacity-building programs, and access to a pan-African venture capital network, along with opportunities for international exposure and collaboration with Alibaba Group.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Support
  Total funding of $1.5 million available, with a maximum of $300,000 per applicant
• 🎓Mentorship Program
  Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
• 🏢Capacity Building
  Participation in programs designed to enhance business skills and capabilities
• 🌐Network Access
  Entry into a pan-African venture capital network for potential partnerships
• 📈International Exposure
  Opportunities for international visibility and media coverage
• 🏢Alibaba Group Visits
  Chance to visit and engage with Alibaba Group for insights and collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of African countries
• Business must be registered and headquartered in Africa
• Company must have been operational for at least 3 years
• The entrepreneurial project must have a clear positive social impact
• Open to various industries critical to Africa's future development

Participation Commitments

• Must submit a detailed business plan outlining the project's social impact
• Participation in mentorship and capacity-building programs is required
• Must attend events organized by Africa’s Business Heroes during the competition
• Regular updates on business progress may be required throughout the program

Target Region

Open to applicants from the African continent

Target Sector

Various industries critical to Africa's future development