Africa’s Business Heroes Opens 2026 Applications With $1.5 Million in Grants

Africa’s Business Heroes Opens 2026 Applications With $1.5 Million in Grants. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) has officially opened applications for its eighth edition, offering $1.5 million in grant funding to African entrepreneurs. The flagship philanthropic programme of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation is inviting founders from across the continent to apply under the 2026 theme, “Defining Africa’s Future Today.”

Each year, ABH awards grants to 10 entrepreneurs, providing not only financial support but also access to training, mentorship, and a pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem partners. The initiative has grown steadily since its launch in 2019, with annual applications rising from about 10,000 to more than 30,000.

For 2026, ABH plans to conduct on-the-ground engagement in 10 African markets, with a particular focus on countries historically underrepresented among its Top 10 finalists, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. Activities will feature community events, workshops, and founder engagement sessions, designed to broaden participation and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Reflecting increased interest in the competition, ABH will expand its recognition pool by naming a Top 100 finalists list, instead of the previous Top 50. This change aims to highlight more entrepreneurs and provide greater visibility to innovative businesses across Africa.

The seventh edition concluded in December 2025, with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, co-founder and chief executive of NovFeed, named the overall winner. Her company converts organic waste into protein for animal feed, demonstrating the kind of impactful innovation ABH seeks to support.

Applications are open to founders who are citizens or legal residents of an African country, lead a registered business headquartered in Africa, have at least three years of demonstrated traction, and show a clear commitment to societal impact. The competition is sector-agnostic, welcoming businesses from diverse industries.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying can register through the official ABH website: Africa’s Business Heroes Application Portal.