Category: Africa

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Health officials appear in Specialised Commercial Crimes Court

Source: Government of South Africa

Health officials appear in Specialised Commercial Crimes Court

Three senior Department of Health officials, including the department’s Director-General (DG), who were arrested on Monday, have been granted bail of R10 000 each after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.

The three — Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati , Chief Financial Officer Phineas Phaswa Mamogale (45) and the Director-General, Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi — are facing charges of fraud worth more than R1 million and theft.

Buthelezi is facing an additional charge of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023, the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc, in a labour-related matter.

“Ithani Amen was appointed as an independent investigator, and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against the suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the [department]. Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, which aimed to assist the department in training and relief in outbreaks,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said.

They were reported by the Forensic Investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.

“After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations, the three accused were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 2 March 2026.

“In court, the State did not oppose their release on bail. The State submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public order when released on bail,” Mahanjana stated.

The case has been postponed to June for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the department said Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has noted the arrests.

“At this juncture, the Minister is still in the dark about circumstances surrounding the arrest of the three. As soon as the Minister has been fully briefed about this matter, he will issue a statement.

“For now, all the Minister can say is that whatever the circumstances, the law must take its course,” the department said in a short statement. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Fuel prices to rise from Wednesday

Source: Government of South Africa

Fuel prices to rise from Wednesday

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced an increase of between 20c and 65c for all forms of fuels from Wednesday.

The fuel price adjustments are based on current local and international factors.

The following fuel price adjustments will be implemented:

  • Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): 20c increase. 
  • Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): 20c increase. 
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 62c increase. 
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 65c increase. 
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 44c increase.
  • Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 58c increase. 
  • Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 23c increase and 26c per kilogram increase in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 64.08 US Dollars (USD) to 69.08 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are higher shipping rates and geopolitical uncertainty caused by the tension between the US and Iran, which could result in the disruption of crude oil supply in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The average international product prices followed the increasing trend of the crude oil price. These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin by 37.53 cents a litre, 81.36 cents a litre, and 63.81 cents a litre, respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane increased during the period under review due to the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter global supply,” the DMPR said.

Furthermore, the Rand strengthened against the dollar during the period under review, strengthening from R16.31 to R16.00 per USD.

“This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel, and Illuminating Paraffin by 16.96 c/l, 19.20 c/l, and 19.21 c/l respectively,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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eThekwini wellness centre to strengthen employee wellbeing, service delivery

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini wellness centre to strengthen employee wellbeing, service delivery

The eThekwini Municipality has officially unveiled the SINAWE “We are with you” Wellness Centre, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver faster, smarter and more people-centred services to communities.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at 350 Montpelier Road in Morningside, opposite Mitchell Park Zoo, is designed to strengthen the wellbeing, resilience, and productivity of municipal employees in support of service delivery excellence.

The initiative underscores the municipality’s firm belief that empowered employees are the foundation of exceptional public service delivery, and that investing in employee health directly strengthens the city’s efficiency, responsiveness, and capability.

Speaking on behalf of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, described the launch as a transformative step toward building a healthier, and high-performing workforce.

“This significant milestone demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to building a healthy, resilient and high-performing workforce,” Madlala said.

He emphasised that the wellness centre represents more than the opening of a facility, as it signals the municipality’s dedication to a people-centred administration.

“This initiative recognises that our employees are our greatest asset and that their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is fundamental to service delivery excellence,” Madlala said.

The SINAWE Wellness Centre offers a comprehensive suite of emotional, psychological, and general wellness services tailored to promote holistic wellbeing and strengthen resilience among employees.

It forms part of a broader network of regional wellness hubs established to ensure all municipal employees have access to professional support, regardless of their location.

Director of the Human Resources Directorate, Sihle Mkhize, reiterated that employee wellness is central to the municipality’s ability to deliver quality services.

“By prioritising employee wellbeing, we are not only changing lives but also strengthening our ability to serve communities with excellence,” Mkhize said.

He noted that when employees are supported and thriving, communities experience tangible improvements in service delivery.

“A healthy workforce directly translates into improved productivity and enhanced service delivery to communities. When we invest in the wellness of our staff, we strengthen the very foundation upon which the municipality serves residents with dignity, efficiency, and compassion,” explained Mkhize.

The opening of the SINAWE Wellness Centre reflects the municipality’s unwavering commitment to putting employees first, driving organisational excellence and delivering meaningful results for communities.

It underscores the understanding that workforce wellbeing powers the city’s progress and propels eThekwini toward sustained service excellence.

Public invited to comment on draft annual report

Meanwhile, the municipality has invited and encouraged residents to submit comments and proposals on how the city can improve service delivery and enhance the wellbeing of all its citizens.

The 2024/25 Draft Annual Report is available on the municipal website at http://durban.gov.za, as well as Sizakala centres and libraries.

Copies of the report may also be requested via email at Noky.Nyasulu@durban.gov.za, or by calling 031 311 4208 for the report to be emailed, or for more information.

The deadline for public comments is Friday, 6 March 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Mercy Ships Supports National Response Following Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar

Source: APO – Report:

Following the devastating cyclone that struck Madagascar’s east coast, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) has joined with national disaster response efforts in Toamasina (Tamatave) through the provision of essential relief supplies, in coordination with the government’s disaster management authorities.

Cyclone Gezani caused extensive damage across the region, displacing thousands and severely affecting homes, public infrastructure, and healthcare facilities.

“In moments like these, partnerships and solidarity matter most,” said Nicholas Ahadjie, Country Director of Mercy Ships in Madagascar. “We are committed to supporting the national response and ensuring that assistance reaches communities where the needs are greatest.”

As part of its own immediate response, Mercy Ships has delivered 537 bags of rice, 1,000 roofing sheets, and 1,000 ready-to-eat meals. These supplies arrived in Toamasina and were officially handed over to the government’s Designated Disaster Response Coordination Body for distribution to affected communities.

The roofing materials will enable families, schools, and community health facilities to begin urgent repairs. The rice will be distributed to households impacted by the storm that still have functional cooking facilities, while ready-to-eat meals will provide immediate support to individuals and displaced families.

Although the Mercy Ships hospital vessel  Africa Mercy®, is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance in South Africa, preparations are underway for her return to Madagascar. Sometime this May, she is expected to resume surgical services and medical training programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

“Our presence in Madagascar is on-going,” added Nicholas Ahadjie. “While the ship is in maintenance, our engagement with partners continues. We stand with the Malagasy people today and remain dedicated to strengthening healthcare capacity for the future.”

For several years, Mercy Ships has partnered with Madagascar to provide free specialized surgeries, professional medical training, and infrastructure support. The recent disaster will not stop the organization’s ongoing support for the Malagasy people as it continues to help reinforce their national health systems.

– on behalf of Mercy Ships.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media. 

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VUKA Group Announces Partnership to Boost Smart Meter Security

Source: APO – Report:

VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) announces a strategic partnership between the Standard Transfer Specification Association (STSA) and the DLMS User Association (DLMS UA) to advance secure, interoperable, and future-ready smart metering systems.

The collaboration bridges legacy prepaid electricity meters with modern smart metering, aligning STS token technology with the widely adopted DLMS/COSEM data model. This enables utilities to modernize while protecting existing investments, ensuring secure data exchange and strengthened smart prepayment integration.

The partnership supports seamless STS token integration with DLMS/COSEM protocols, coordinated roadmap development, and expansion across electricity, water, gas, and time metering applications. With STS recently reaffirmed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and upgraded with enhanced encryption, the collaboration provides a trusted, sustainable path for interoperable smart metering worldwide.

Read more: https://apo-opa.co/4cYLeWl

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Verdant IMAP advises Polysmart on a strategic equity raise

Source: APO – Report:

Verdant IMAP (“Verdant”) (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce that it has advised Polysmart Packaging Group (“Polysmart” or the “Company”), a leading integrated recycled food-grade and non-food-grade recycled plastic manufacturer, on the successful close of a USD 5 million strategic equity investment from an African-focused private equity investor. The transaction provides growth capital to optimise operations, enhance production efficiency, and support Polysmart’s expansion into one of Nigeria’s most advanced rPET processing platforms, further positioning Polysmart as a globally competitive circular economy platform serving both domestic and international markets.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ogun State, Nigeria, Polysmart has developed a rapidly scaling recycling and manufacturing platform spanning strategic partnerships across waste collection, sorting, aggregation, and the production of high-quality recycled plastic resins and flakes. The Company operates a state-of-the-art production facility supported by advanced European processing technology and adherence to international quality and environmental standards.

Polysmart is one of the largest suppliers of recycled plastic resins in Nigeria and a key producer food-grade / recycled polyethylene terephthalate (“rPET”) pellets for both domestic and export markets. Its customer base includes leading global beverage, bottling, and manufacturing companies, reflecting strong product quality, operational reliability, and compliance with international sustainability requirements.

The global rPET market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.9% through 2032, according to the Persistence Market Research, driven by tightening environmental regulation, mandatory recycled content targets in Europe and other developed markets, and increasing corporate sustainability commitments from multinational brands. As global buyers seek diversified, resilient, and traceable supply chains, scalable rPET producers with consistent quality standards are well positioned to capture long-term structural demand.

Polysmart operates at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and environmental sustainability. By strengthening partnerships across the waste collection ecosystem and converting plastic waste into high-quality resins and flakes, the Company enhances recycled supply chains and supports global brands in achieving recycled content and carbon reduction targets. Its progressively integrated model enhances traceability, product consistency, and supply reliability – key differentiators in international rPET markets.

The equity investment marks an important milestone in Polysmart’s institutionalization and growth trajectory. Verdant IMAP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Polysmart on the transaction. This deal reinforces Verdant’s commitment to supporting globally relevant, climate-aligned industrial businesses across Africa.

– on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media contacts:
Verdant IMAP
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant IMAP: 
Verdant IMAP is a leading pan-African investment bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private capital markets. Combining international investment banking experience with a deep understanding of local markets, Verdant IMAP helps clients access global capital and strategic partnerships to drive growth and transformation across the continent. Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP is a global M&A partnership with over 600 professionals across 51 countries and is consistently ranked among the top 5 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions. www.Verdant-Cap.com

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SA sends condolences to Nigeria after fatal maritime incident

Source: Government of South Africa

SA sends condolences to Nigeria after fatal maritime incident

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and the Transport Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family after one person died at sea and five crew members went missing, following the sinking of the MW Leo vessel near Mossel Bay.

The vessel had a total of 18 crew members on board, all confirmed to be Nigerian nationals. 

Twelve crew members have since been rescued alive. One body has been recovered, with five crew members still missing.

“Creecy and Hlengwa have expressed their pain and condolences to High Commissioner Tope Ajayi, who is grappling with this maritime incident, and emphasized the urgent need to find the missing crew members. They have also expressed messages of support to the families whose loved ones are still missing at sea,” the Department of Transport said on Monday.

The MW Leo, registered under the Comoros flag, transmitted a distress signal reporting uncontrolled water ingress on the evening of 28 February 2026. 

At the time, the vessel was approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, on a single voyage from Durban to Nigeria. 

The vessel is owned by Nigerian company Magnet Energy Limited, based in Lagos.

The crew reportedly abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts, and the vessel subsequently sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.

The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation.

The incident is being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s High Commissioner, HE Tope Ajayi, is kept abreast of the developments on an ongoing basis. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle

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Africa’s Business Heroes lance sa 8e édition avec 1,5 million de dollars de subventions disponibles pour les entrepreneurs africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), l’initiative philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy et de la Jack Ma Foundation, a ouvert les dépôts de candidatures pour sa 8e édition, faisant appel aux entrepreneurs africains qui créent des entreprises définissant l’avenir du continent.

Lancée sous le thème « Définir l’avenir de l’Afrique dès aujourd’hui », l’édition 2026 renforce le rôle d’ABH en tant que plateforme centrée sur les fondateurs, soutenant les solutions africaines qui ont l’ambition, l’envergure et la substance nécessaires pour mener une transformation économique durable.

Partout en Afrique, des entrepreneurs relèvent des défis concrets grâce à des solutions audacieuses et novatrices : l’agriculture intelligente face au climat, finance numérique, santé, logistique, industrie et technologies émergentes. Africa’s Business Heroes s’engage à identifier ces fondateurs, à accélérer leur développement et à mettre en exergue leurs parcours pour inspirer et façonner l’avenir de l’Afrique.

« L’avenir de l’Afrique est façonné par des entrepreneurs qui s’attaquent aux défis les plus pressants du continent et libèrent son potentiel économique », a déclaré Zahra Boateng-Baitie, directrice générale d’Africa’s Business Heroes pour l’Afrique. « Au-delà des 1,5 million de dollars de subventions, ABH est une plateforme transformationnelle qui offre aux fondateurs la visibilité, le mentorat et le soutien stratégique dont ils ont besoin pour développer des entreprises durables. Notre engagement est de veiller à ce que les entrepreneurs soient à la fois reconnus et habilités à créer des entreprises qui génèrent des emplois, stimulent l’innovation et favorisent une croissance inclusive dans toute l’Afrique. »

En 2026, ABH renforcera son engagement sur le terrain à travers le continent en visitant dix marchés africains. Conformément à son engagement à être véritablement panafricain et inclusif, le programme donnera la priorité aux pays qui ont été sous-représentés parmi ses 10 finalistes à ce jour, notamment la Namibie, la Tunisie et la Zambie. Ces visites rassembleront des entrepreneurs locaux, des partenaires de l’écosystème et des investisseurs à travers des événements de renforcement communautaire, des ateliers et des engagements personnalisés avec les fondateurs, renforçant ainsi les écosystèmes locaux et élargissant l’accès à la plateforme ABH.  

De plus, cette année, ABH élargira son panel de lauréats en annonçant les 100 finalistes plutôt que les 50 finalistes. Cela reflète à la fois la demande et l’intérêt croissants pour le concours et l’ambition d’ABH de mettre en avant un éventail plus large d’entreprises africaines innovantes et inspirantes. Depuis 2019, le nombre de candidatures est passé d’environ 10 000 à plus de 30 000 par an. En récompensant davantage de fondateurs à fort potentiel, ABH vise à renforcer son impact, à offrir une plus grande visibilité aux entrepreneurs émergents et à consolider son rôle de plateforme de premier plan célébrant la prochaine génération de chefs d’entreprise africains.

Plus qu’un simple concours

Aujourd’hui dans sa huitième année, Africa’s Business Heroes a évolué au-delà d’un simple concours pour devenir l’une des plateformes d’entrepreneuriat les plus respectées du continent. Le programme combine des subventions avec des formations, du mentorat et un soutien communautaire à long terme, permettant aux entrepreneurs de créer des entreprises conçues pour durer.

Chaque année, ABH attribue 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix entrepreneurs exceptionnels. Les héros présélectionnés ont également accès à des programmes de renforcement des capacités et rejoignent un réseau panafricain en pleine expansion composé de pairs, d’investisseurs et de leaders de l’écosystème.

Les anciens finalistes du Top 10 ont également la possibilité de participer à une expérience d’apprentissage immersive entièrement sponsorisée sur le campus d’Alibaba à Hangzhou, en Chine. Le programme permet aux entrepreneurs de se rencontrer, de s’engager directement dans l’écosystème Alibaba et de se familiariser avec les bonnes pratiques mondiales en matière d’innovation, de transformation numérique et de développement des entreprises technologiques. La dernière cohorte des anciens finalistes du Top 10 se rendra à Hangzhou en septembre 2026.

Une plateforme reconnue pour les entrepreneurs africains

La 7e édition du concours Africa’s Business Heroes s’est achevée en décembre 2025 avec la nomination de Diana Orembe, cofondatrice et PDG de NovFeed, en Tanzanie, au titre d’Africa’s Business Hero. Son entreprise de biotechnologie transforme les déchets organiques en protéines durables pour l’alimentation animale, répondant ainsi aux défis de la sécurité alimentaire et de la durabilité environnementale à travers l’Afrique.

« Remporter le prix Africa’s Business Heroes a été une véritable transformation pour NovFeed », a déclaré Diana Orembe. « Le financement va accélérer notre croissance, mais la formation commerciale, la visibilité et le réseau que nous avons acquis grâce au programme ont été tout aussi importants. ABH vous met au défi d’affiner votre vision, de renforcer votre stratégie et d’élargir la portée de votre impact. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de la finale, mais aussi de faire partie d’une communauté engagée dans la construction de l’avenir de l’Afrique. »

L’édition de l’année dernière a attiré plus de 31 000 candidatures provenant de tout le continent et a octroyé 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix finalistes représentant sept pays africains, reflétant ainsi la richesse et la diversité du vivier entrepreneurial du continent.

Qui peut postuler ?

Les candidatures sont ouvertes aux fondateurs de toute l’Afrique qui :

  • Sont des citoyens ou des résidents réguliers d’un pays africain ;
  • Dirigent une entreprise enregistrée dont le siège social se trouve en Afrique ;
  • Ont fait preuve d’une activité soutenue pendant au moins trois ans ;
  • Font preuve d’un engagement pour un impact social positif.

ABH est un concours ouvert à tous les secteurs et accueille les candidatures de tous les secteurs essentiels à l’avenir de l’Afrique, notamment : les systèmes alimentaires, le climat et l’énergie, la fintech et l’inclusion financière, la santé, la logistique, la fabrication, l’intelligence artificielle, etc.

Les candidatures sont désormais ouvertes.

Les entrepreneurs qui définissent l’avenir de l’Afrique sont encouragés à postuler. Les candidatures peuvent être soumises en anglais ou en français.  

Le dépôt de candidatures sera clôturé le 28 avril 2026.
Postulez sur : www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

À propos d’Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) :
Africa’s Business Heroes est le programme philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy, qui a pour vocation d’identifier, de soutenir et de célébrer la prochaine génération d’entrepreneurs africains. Chaque année, ABH octroie 1,5 million de dollars américains de subventions à des chefs d’entreprise exceptionnels qui ont un impact positif sur leur communauté, tout en leur donnant accès à la formation, au mentorat et à un réseau entrepreneurial panafricain.

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Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 8th Edition with USD 1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available for African Entrepreneurs

Source: APO

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.

Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.

Across the continent, entrepreneurs are solving real problems with bold, innovative solutions—from climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to identifying these founders, accelerating their growth, and elevating their stories to inspire and shape Africa’s future.

“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”

In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive. The programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.

In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses. Since 2019, applications have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 30,000 annually. By recognising more high-potential founders, ABH aims to deepen its impact, provide greater visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthen its role as a leading platform celebrating Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

More Than a Competition

Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.

Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.

A Proven Platform for African Entrepreneurs

The 7th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co Founder and CEO of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotech venture transforms organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.

“Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe,“The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”

Last year’s edition attracted over 31,000 applications from across the continent and awarded USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists representing 7 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:

  • Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
  • Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
  • Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
  • Show a commitment to positive societal impact

ABH is a sector agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.

Applications Now Open

Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

Applications close on April 28th 2026.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For Press/Media or Partnership Inquires, contact:
pr@africabusinessheroes.org
info@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH):
Africa’s Business Heroes is the flagship philanthropic programme of Alibaba Philanthropy dedicated to identifying, supporting, and celebrating the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders creating positive impact in their communities, while providing access to training, mentorship, and a pan-African entrepreneurial network.

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President Ramaphosa mourns lives lost in Ormonde building collapse

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of reportedly six people who died when a building collapsed in Ormonde, Johannesburg, earlier today, Monday, 02 March 2026.

The President’s thoughts also go out to survivors, some of whom are still trapped in the rubble of the business park premises.

President Ramaphosa expects an inquiry into the collapse will provide answers to the families of the deceased and to survivors and that such an inquiry will help to prevent a recurrence of a tragedy such as this.

The President also appreciates the urgency with which rescue teams are undertaking their urgent tasks.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria