Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic program created by the Jack Ma Foundation and supported by Alibaba Philanthropy, has revealed the 20 semi-finalists for its 2025 edition. The competition, which provides US$1.5 million in grants annually, is designed to empower entrepreneurs from across the continent who are driving inclusive and sustainable growth. This year’s announcement highlights both the scale of participation and the breadth of sectors represented.
Record-Breaking Applications
The 2025 edition attracted more than 32,000 applications, the largest number in the history of the competition. Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries submitted entries, underlining ABH’s continental reach and influence. From this group, 50 ventures advanced to the shortlist, and 20 have now secured a place in the semi-finals, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal on September 10–11.
Spotlight on the Finalists
The semi-finalists represent nine African countries and 10 different sectors, demonstrating the diversity of innovation on the continent. Among them are South Africa’s nuvoteQ, a healthtech company delivering digital solutions, Tanzania’s NovFeed, which is pioneering biotech in agriculture, and Kenya’s BuuPass, a digital ticketing platform for transport. Other finalists include Egypt’s Suplyd, Rwanda’s Kosmotive, Senegal’s Le Lionceau, and Nigeria’s CredPal, collectively addressing challenges in healthcare, food distribution, financial inclusion, and education.
Strategic Impact of ABH
Since its launch, ABH has committed to identifying and supporting 100 entrepreneurs over a 10-year period. Each year, the competition culminates in a televised finale where the top 10 share grants ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000. Beyond funding, the program provides mentorship, training, and global exposure, equipping entrepreneurs with the resources and networks needed to scale their ventures across Africa and beyond.
Voices from the Program
Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, emphasized the caliber and ambition of the 2025 semi-finalists. She noted that this year’s ventures showcase momentum in digital transformation, scalable subscription models, and impact-driven solutions. According to Baitie-Boateng, the diversity of business models reflects the resilience of African founders and their ability to balance financial sustainability with measurable social impact.
Broader Context of African Entrepreneurship
The announcement arrives at a time when African startups are showing resilience despite global economic headwinds. Investment flows into fintech, agritech, and healthtech remain strong, driven by businesses that combine commercial viability with solutions to systemic challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability. By highlighting these entrepreneurs, ABH amplifies their potential to attract further capital and partnerships while strengthening Africa’s position in the global innovation landscape.
With the semi-finals set for Dakar, the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes competition continues to demonstrate the vitality of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The finalists represent not just promising ventures, but a broader movement of founders tackling pressing societal and economic challenges. As they prepare to compete for a place in the top 10, the competition reaffirms its role as a platform where ambition, innovation, and impact converge to shape the future of African business.