By Josephine Akaerr, Special Correspondent

African Leadership Group  has announced 2021 Pan-African Anchor Partnership with the the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic programme, “Africa’s Business Heroes” prize competition spotlighting and celebrating Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. In its third annual edition, “Africa’s Business Heroes” will leverage the network of African Leadership Group to outreach to talented entrepreneurs and share knowledge and insights to help aspiring candidates navigate the application process.

“The Africa Business Heroes prize aligns with our mission of supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. We are eager to support by identifying high potential Young African entrepreneurs and preparing them for the competition. I am personally excited to be serving as a judge for the 3rd time. Best of luck to all applicants!” African Leadership Group Founder, Fred Swaniker.“Africa’s Business Heroes” prize competition applications are now open. Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, age group, and gender can submit their applications, in either French and English, for a chance to compete for a spot among the Top 10 finalists.

Over the next few weeks, we will share additional information related to AFRICA’S BUSINESS HEROES partnership on how upcoming founders and judges can apply, as well as webinars, events and training session etc.

ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and allocate, over ten years, grant funds alongside training, mentoring and learning programmes and access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.  This is in line with African Leadership’s mission to transform leaders by developing ethical entrepreneurial leaders.

At the grand finale later this year, ten 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 US$1.5 million grant. The journey to the Finale will include several rounds of rigorous evaluation panels and access to a community of international leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors, and accelerators through several multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.

In 2020, the ten outstanding finalists – half of whom were female – were selected from over 22,000 applicants across all 54 African nations. They represented eight African countries – Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – and various industries including agriculture, fashion, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and financial services.

 “I am proud to be a 2020 Africa’s Business Hero winner. The competition was an incredible journey. 2020 was a challenging year that made us refocus from profitability to survival. I hope my win inspires Africans to believe that we have what it takes to make an impact, no matter where we are. The Prize is helping us scale our energy solution across East Africa, and we remain focused to change how Africa cooks, one kitchen at a time.” said Founder and CEO at BrightGreen Renewable Energy, Chebet Lesan.

“As we open our third annual pitch competition, we want to acknowledge the huge inspiration coming from Africa’s extraordinary entrepreneurs, whose business ventures not only are successful and profitable but can generate a positive impact on their local communities. Despite the incredibly difficult conditions faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world over the past year, Africa’s entrepreneurship has been experiencing an incredible upward trajectory, showing the magnitude of its potential and the opportunities yet to be seized. Therefore, Africa’s Business Heroes is excited to join forces with our partners to identify, spotlight and support even more passionate, innovative, and determined entrepreneurs across Africa.” said Executive Director of International, Jack Ma Foundation, Jason Pau.

Applications for the 2021 competition are open until 7th June 2021.