In the heart of Africa, a celebration of entrepreneurship is set to unfold in Kigali, Rwanda. The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale, organized by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, promises to be an event like no other.
The ABH Prize Competition is a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs across the continent. Launched in 2019, this philanthropic program aims to identify and elevate African entrepreneurs who are making a tangible difference in their communities. What's remarkable is that it's open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, regardless of age or sector.
The 2023 Edition: A Milestone Celebration
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the ABH program, signifying the halfway point in its 10-year commitment to supporting African entrepreneurs. The 2023 edition boasts several remarkable features:
- Return to Physical Events: After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the 2023 ABH Summit and Grand Finale is a momentous return to physical events.
- Record-High Applications: The year 2023 received an impressive 27,267 applications, the highest number since the program's inception in 2019.
- Francophone Representation: Francophone countries accounted for 27% of all applications, the highest percentage in ABH's history, indicating a welcome surge in diversity and inclusivity.
The Grand Finale: A Glimpse into the Event
The Africa's Business Heroes Grand Finale for 2023 is set to take place on November 23rd and 24th at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Rwanda. This two-day summit and grand finale will be attended by over 1,000 African entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players from across the continent. Renowned African influencers, musicians, and entertainment icons will also be part of the extravaganza.
Attendance is free, but it's recommended to reserve seats promptly to secure a spot at this not-to-be-missed event.
One of the highlights of this year's Grand Finale is the introduction of an incredible Augmented Reality (AR) experience. This immersive feature will provide a deeper insight into the businesses of the ABH heroes, right from the auditorium of the Kigali Convention Center.
Over 1000 African entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players will converge at this year's ABH Summit and Grand Finale. The lineup of speakers is incredibly diverse, representing various facets of the entrepreneurial landscape. With 41 confirmed speakers, including 21 male and 20 female speakers, the event ensures a well-balanced gender representation. These experts, hailing from different backgrounds and regions, promise to deliver invaluable insights.
Sessions and Activities
The two-day ABH Summit and Grand Finale promise a whirlwind of excitement. Attendees can expect a range of activities, from informative workshops to debates between experts, live pitch competitions, award ceremonies, and even an epic after-party celebrating the ABH 5th anniversary.
The Impact and Benefits: Empowering Entrepreneurs
The ABH Grand Finale is not just a celebration; it's an opportunity to forge collaborations and partnerships. Entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and business experts from across Africa and the world will come together, creating a platform for economic growth and innovation. Panel discussions, educational workshops, and keynote speeches from industry experts ensure that attendees leave with invaluable insights.
A staggering $1.5 million is up for grabs at the 2023 ABH Grand Finale. The top 10 entrepreneurs, selected from over 27,000 applications, will pitch their innovative ideas to global business legends. The winner takes home $300,000, and even the top 10 finalists receive substantial grants, setting them on a path to further success.
