BTA Admin Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), offering $1.5 million in grant funding to African entrepreneurs building innovative businesses across the continent.
The initiative, created by Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has become one of the most prominent entrepreneurship competitions in Africa, supporting founders who are developing solutions to the continent’s most pressing economic and social challenges.
The 2026 competition runs under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” highlighting the growing role entrepreneurs play in driving economic transformation across the region.
$1.5 Million Grant Fund for Top Entrepreneurs
Each year, the competition selects ten finalists who share the $1.5 million prize pool, while gaining access to mentorship, investor networks, training programs, and global exposure designed to help scale their businesses.
According to Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes, the initiative aims to spotlight founders tackling real-world problems.
“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” she said.
Participating startups span sectors such as climate-smart agriculture, digital finance, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
Expansion Across African Startup Ecosystems
For the 2026 edition, the program plans to deepen engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets, including countries that have historically been underrepresented among finalists such as Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia.
These engagements will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners through workshops and community events designed to strengthen local startup ecosystems.
The competition is also expanding its recognition pool, increasing the shortlist from Top 50 to Top 100 finalists to reflect the growing strength of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Since its launch in 2019, applications for the competition have surged from around 10,000 to more than 30,000 annually, highlighting the rising momentum of African-led innovation.
Success Stories Driving Impact
The program has already produced several notable success stories.
In 2025, Diana Orembe, co-founder and CEO of NovFeed in Tanzania, won the top prize for her biotech startup that converts organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed—an innovation aimed at improving food security while promoting environmental sustainability.
Application Requirements
Entrepreneurs across Africa are encouraged to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Be citizens or legal residents of an African country
- Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
- Demonstrate at least three years of business traction
- Show a clear commitment to positive social and economic impact
Applications are open in English and French, and the deadline for submissions is April 28, 2026.
