Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025 for Young African Entrepreneurs
The Africa Business Heroes (ABH) competition is a philanthropic initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation that aims to identify, support and celebrate African entrepreneurs who are building innovative and impactful businesses across the continent. The 2025 edition promises to be even bigger and better, offering a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs from Cape Verde and across Africa to boost their businesses and make their mark on the world.
What is the Africa Business Heroes Competition?
ABH is not just a competition; it is an ecosystem that supports African entrepreneurship. In addition to the prize money, finalists and winners benefit from:
- Mentoring from experienced business leaders.
- Access to a vast network of contacts and investors.
- Significant media visibility.
- Specialised training and workshops.
The main objective is to empower African entrepreneurs to create solutions to local challenges, create jobs and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the continent.
Why take part in the 2025 edition?
Taking part in the Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025 offers numerous advantages:
- Financing: The competition offers a total prize of 1.5 million US dollars, distributed among the 10 finalists. The main winner receives a significant sum to invest in their business.
- Mentoring and counselling: Finalists have the opportunity to receive mentoring from renowned business leaders, who share their knowledge and experience to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and maximise their potential.
- Networking: ABH provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and business leaders from across Africa and the world.
- Visibility: The competition generates great media visibility for the finalists and winners, which can help attract customers, partners and investors.
- Validation: Being selected as an ABH finalist or winner is a seal of approval that validates the quality and potential of the business.
Examples of Success: Inspiration for Cape Verdean Entrepreneurs
Although there is still no winner from Cape Verde, the competition has demonstrated the potential of entrepreneurs from countries with similar economies. For example, entrepreneurs from Senegal, Ghana and Kenya have achieved success in the competition, demonstrating that innovation and social impact are key factors for success.
One notable example is that of a Kenyan entrepreneur who developed an innovative solution for water treatment in rural communities, using low-cost, easy-to-maintain technology. This entrepreneur not only won a significant prize, but also attracted additional investment and expanded his business to other African countries.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To take part in the Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be the founder or co-founder of a business that has been operating for at least three years.
- The business must have a positive social impact on the community.
The application process is online and involves submitting a detailed business plan, a presentation video and other relevant documents. Applicants are assessed on the basis of criteria such as innovation, social impact, financial viability and business growth potential.
Tips for a Winning Application
To increase your chances of success in the Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025, consider the following tips:
- Draw up a solid business plan: Your business plan should be clear, concise and realistic, demonstrating the potential of your business and its ability to generate social impact.
- Highlight your passion and vision: The evaluators are looking for passionate entrepreneurs with a clear vision for the future of their business.
- Demonstrate your social impact: ABH values businesses that contribute to the social and economic development of their communities.
- Be authentic and transparent: Present your business honestly and transparently, recognising its challenges and opportunities.
- Seek mentoring and counselling: Ask experienced mentors and consultants for feedback to improve your application.
Conclusion
The Africa Business Heroes Competition 2025 is an unmissable opportunity for young Cape Verdean and African entrepreneurs who want to boost their businesses and leave a positive legacy on the continent. By taking part in this competition, entrepreneurs can access funding, mentoring, networking and visibility, which can be crucial to their success. Prepare your application, show your potential and join the next generation of African business leaders.
Don't miss the chance to turn your idea into reality! Apply now!
Application link: https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/the-competition/how-to-apply
Application deadline: 23 May 2025
