Between April 20-27, the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, welcomed 40 participants from across Africa to Hangzhou, China. This immersive experience at Alibaba’s headquarters provided valuable insights for the participants to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors.
During the visit, ABH Heroes engaged in a variety of activities, including deep dives into aspects of the digital economy like cloud computing and e-commerce. Workshops, site visits, and networking opportunities with Alibaba executives and fellow entrepreneurs enriched their knowledge and provided new perspectives.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, expressed gratitude for the inspiring experience in China, highlighting the opportunity to connect with top African entrepreneurs and immerse in Alibaba’s vision.
In an exciting update, ABH extended its 2024 entry deadline to June 9, offering more entrepreneurs the chance to participate. Top 50 candidates will access resources such as training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, with US$1.5 million in grant funding distributed among the top 10 finalists.
ABH also conducted information sessions and community events across Africa to facilitate applications and foster entrepreneurial communities. These events, held in partnership with local organizations, aim to attract diverse entrepreneurs from all sectors and regions of the continent.
Applications and nominations for impactful entrepreneurs creating sustainable solutions are open to individuals across Africa, with submissions accepted in English or French.