Africa’s Business Heroes finalists emerge

Ten finalists of Africa’s Business Heroes have emerged. They will benefit from the $1.5m grant at stake, as well as mentoring and training.

The contest is Jack Ma’s philanthropic programme in Africa.

According to a statement made available to Financial Street, to cart home the coveted prize, the competitors will go through rounds of evaluation and series of boot camps after which they will present their businesses and visions to a panel of judges.

“At the grand finale later this year, 10 finalists will take the stage to present their businesses and share their visions to an esteemed panel of judges, to win a share of the $1.5m grant.

“The journey to the finale will include several rounds of rigorous evaluation panels, as well as access to a community of international leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors and accelerators, through a number of multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions,” it stated.

The ABH competition is open to entrepreneurs in every sector, age and gender across the 54 countries in Africa.

The theme of this year’s competition, ‘It’s African Time’ calls all African entrepreneurs to challenge the stereotype of “African time” through their businesses.

Speaking on the commencement of the competition, the Executive Director of International Jack Ma Foundation, Jason Pau, said, “As we open our third yearly pitch competition, we want to recognise Africa’s extraordinary entrepreneurs, whose business ventures not only are successful and profitable but are making positive impact on their local communities.

“Therefore, ABH is excited to join forces with our partners to identify, spotlight and support even more passionate, innovative, and determined entrepreneurs across Africa.”