Jack Ma’s US$10 Million Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative opens applications

African entrepreneurs can now apply for the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI). The US$10 million Prize competition founded by the Jack Ma Foundation to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over the next 10 years has officially opened applications and will close on 30th June.

The Africa Netpreneur Prize aims to support and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs who are building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future. Every year, 10 finalists will be selected to compete in a final pitch competition that will be broadcast across the continent.

All ten finalists will gain access to the Netpreneur community of African business leaders to leverage the community’s shared expertise, best practice and resources.

Alibaba Group Executive Chairman Jack Ma first created the prize after he made his first trip to Africa in July 2017 and was inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he met. The Prize is open to entrepreneurs from all industries, and Ma especially encouraged those running small businesses, those making a difference in their local communities and female entrepreneurs to apply.

Global leaders Graca Machel and Ban Ki-moon serve on the ANPI advisory board.  Last month, the foundation named NINE from Nigeria, RiseUp from Egypt, and 22 On Sloane from South Africa as the official Western, Northern, and Southern Africa regional partners for the competition respectively.

Applications can be made through the NPI website here.

Have anything to add to this story? Leave us a comment in the comments section below. In the meantime, follow or subscribe to our Startup Digest newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates on African Startups.