Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its eighth edition, offering 1.5 million US dollars in grant funding to outstanding African entrepreneurs.
Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s position as a founder-first platform backing African-led businesses with the ambition, scale and substance to drive long-term economic transformation across the continent.
From climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, African entrepreneurs are tackling pressing challenges with innovative solutions. Africa’s Business Heroes says it remains committed to identifying such founders, accelerating their growth, and amplifying their stories to inspire the next generation.
“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”
Deeper continental engagement
In 2026, ABH will expand its on-the-ground presence by visiting ten African markets. As part of its pan-African and inclusive strategy, the programme will prioritise countries that have been underrepresented among its Top 10 finalists, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia.
The visits will convene local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements aimed at strengthening local business ecosystems and widening access to the ABH platform.
In a further expansion, ABH will increase its recognition pool by naming a Top 100 Finalists list, up from the previous Top 50. Organisers say the move reflects growing interest in the competition and the ambition to spotlight a broader spectrum of high-potential African businesses. Since 2019, applications have risen from around 10,000 to more than 30,000 annually.
More than a prize competition
Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. In addition to the annual 1.5 million US dollars in grant funding shared among ten winners, shortlisted founders receive training, mentorship and long-term community support.
Top 10 finalists also gain access to a sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables participants to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, engage with the Alibaba ecosystem and learn global best practices in innovation, digital transformation and scaling technology-enabled ventures. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists is scheduled to travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.
A track record of impact
The seventh edition concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotechnology venture converts organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges.
“Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe, “The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”
The 2025 edition attracted more than 31,000 applications and awarded 1.5 million US dollars in grant funding to ten finalists from seven African countries, underlining the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial talent.
Eligibility and how to apply
Applications are open to founders who are citizens or legal residents of an African country, lead a registered business headquartered in Africa, have demonstrated at least three years of traction and show a commitment to positive societal impact.
The competition is sector-agnostic and welcomes applications from industries critical to Africa’s development, including food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Applications are open in English and French and close on 28 April 2026.
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