Africa’s Business Heroes Hosts 40 Entrepreneurs In China

… Extends 2024 Application Deadline

THE Africa’s Business Heroes ( ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy has hosted 40 participants from across Africa in Hangzhou, China recently.

With the emergence of top 10 finalists, the participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou returning to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavours on the continent.

According to the organisers, US$ 1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$ 300,000.

During their visit, the ABH Heroes ( comprising cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AIdriven logistics to e- commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits, all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.

Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, Diarra BOUSSO, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expressed her gratitude for the experience. She said: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”

In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders.

This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organisations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.

To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent regardless of sector, age or gender are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French at: https :// Africa Bu sinessheroes. org/ en/ applynow. Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues here: https :// Africa business heroes. org/ en/ nominate.