Opportunity Description
Since 2019, Africa’s Business Heroes has backed entrepreneurs who are not only building profitable companies but also transforming industries and tackling some of the continent’s most urgent challenges.
Over the years, the platform has spotlighted founders such as Henri Gueye of EYONE, who is digitising healthcare records to improve access to quality care; Diana Orembe of NovFeed, who converts agricultural waste into sustainable fish feed and biofertilizers to lower farming costs and promote climate-smart aquaculture in East Africa; Omar Sakr of Nawah Scientific, who is strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem through advanced scientific services; Christelle Kwizera of Water Access Rwanda, who is expanding access to safe drinking water while creating youth employment opportunities; and Shona McDonald of ShonaquipSE, who manufactures assistive mobility and therapeutic devices to promote inclusion for children and people with disabilities across Africa.
These founders represent a growing community of entrepreneurs building scalable solutions that impact millions of lives.
Each year, more than 20,000 entrepreneurs apply to the competition. Only 10 finalists advance to the Grand Finale, where they compete for a share of 1.5 million dollars in non-dilutive grant funding. However, the opportunity extends far beyond financial support.
Finalists gain access to world-class mentorship, global media exposure, investor and partner networks, immersive training, and a lifelong pan-African entrepreneurial community.
Who Should Apply
- The program is open to African entrepreneurs who are African or of African descent and have at least one parent or grandparent of African origin.
- Applicants must be founders or co-founders actively driving their organizations, have operated their businesses for at least three years, and have their headquarters in Africa while demonstrating measurable impact across the continent.
- Entrepreneurs who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply or nominate a founder making a difference.
Why Apply
- Selected heroes will have the opportunity to secure a share of 1.5 million dollars in grant funding, pitch their businesses on one of Africa’s biggest entrepreneurial stages before renowned business leaders, and gain international visibility.
- Participants also receive structured mentorship, high-level training, and strategic networking opportunities designed to accelerate growth and scale.
- Being part of Africa’s Business Heroes is not just about competing for funding. It is about joining a network of founders shaping Africa’s economic future.
Apply here: https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/register
Nominate a founder: https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/nominate
