–The Top 50 finalists chosen from 12,000+ entries,
–Selected by a prestigious pool of 233 judges;
16 countries from Africa represented in the Top 50,
–38% of Top 50 candidates are female entrepreneurs,
–10% are Francophone,
–Top 50 finalists will progress to an virtual boot camp and further judging.
–Top 20 to be announced in August.
Twelve Nigerians have been announced among the top 50 for the 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition. The largest in the cohort.
These 50 African entrepreneurs are in the running to win a share of USD 1.5 million in grant funding and will gain invaluable networking and learning opportunities throughout their Africa’s Business Heroes journey.
Since applications closed in early June, a prestigious pool of 233 judges have been reviewing thousands of applications from entrepreneurs across every country in Africa.
During this first round, judges were looking for visionary entrepreneurs who are providing innovative, robust solutions to problems in their communities.
They were focused on identifying passionate professionals that demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, financial sustainability and growth potential.
Jason Pau, Executive Director of International, Jack Ma Foundation noted, “in the face of incredibly difficult conditions over the past year, Africa’s entrepreneurs have shown incredible resilience and innovation.
“The top 50 of the 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes competition are a true testament to this, and we are excited to support these talented entrepreneurs as they continue to grow and generate positive impact.”
Sixteen countries are represented in the Top 50, 10% of which are Francophone.
They include Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Women are well-represented, making up 38% of the Top 50.
There is an enormous diversity in the type of businesses, with sixteen different sectors represented including agriculture, beauty & wellness, construction, consulting, education, energy, environmental protection, financial services, F&B, healthcare, ICT, logistics, manufacturing, media & entertainment, retail and transportation.
From here, the Top 50 will participate in an ABH virtual boot camp to engage with and learn from business leaders as well as previous ABH winners.
The boot camp will prepare them for the next round of interviews with the Round 2 judges, after which the Top 20 will be identified and announced in August.
The Top 10 will be announced in late September, before they go on to the grand finale where they will pitch live to global business legends and secure their share of the USD 1.5 million prize pool.
The Nigerian startups are:
- Adebowale Odulana, Doctoora E-Health Ltd
- Ebinabo Ofrey, GeroCare Solutions Ltd
- Oghenetega Iortim, Gricd
- Abiodun Adereni, HelpMum
- Olorunishola Aje, IDEAS IN FUSION LIMITED
- Leslie Emenalo, Kobopay
- Ige Atiba, Laughkord Consult and Resources Limited
- YETUNDE OYALOWO, Market Doctors-Social Enterprise
- Chidi Nwaogu, Publiseer
- Ikenna Nzewi, Releaf Marketplace Nigeria Limited
- OLAGOKE BALOGUN, So Fresh Neighbourhood Market Limited
- Godwin Benson, Tuteria
For more information on the 2021 Top 50, please click here.
