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Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 2025 Call for Applications, Building on Unprecedented Momentum

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ABH

Beyond funding, ABH finalists gain unparalleled media exposure and access to an exclusive network of Africa’s top business leaders, investors and fellow entrepreneurs

KIGALI, Rwanda, March 31, 2025/APO Group/ –Following the success of its 6th Summit and Grand Finale held in Kigali, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) – the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative in Africa – is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Call for Applications. This year, ABH is building on its momentum to deepen its impact across the continent by actively encouraging applications from typically underrepresented regions in entrepreneurship competitions, including Francophone and Central Africa.

In 2024, ABH saw a historic level of diversity:

  • 39% of applicants were women, with 60% of the Top 10 finalists being female entrepreneurs.
  • For the first time, a Top 10 finalist hailed from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – a powerful milestone for Central Africa.
  • And in another first, a Francophone entrepreneur – Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal – won the Grand Prize, marking a major moment for Francophone Africa.

Now in its 7th edition, ABH continues its mission to spotlight and support exceptional African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact in their communities.

Why Apply? Unmatched Benefits for African Entrepreneurs

Winning a spot among the ABH finalists unlocks the resources and support needed to elevate a business. The Top 10 finalists share $1.5 million in grant funding, with the grand prize winner receiving $300,000, the first runner-up $250,000, and the second runner-up $150,000. The remaining finalists each secure $100,000, plus an additional $100,000 for global immersion training.

Beyond funding, ABH finalists gain unparalleled media exposure and access to an exclusive network of Africa’s top business leaders, investors and fellow entrepreneurs. This community enables high-level networking and collaboration as well as mentorship and strategic insights to help scale their ventures.

It’s about resilience – the courage to keep showing up, to learn, to grow and to keep believing in your vision even when the odds are tough

Throughout the competition, they also receive valuable feedback from seasoned professionals, strengthening their business acumen, storytelling and long-term growth trajectory.

A Testament to Resilience and Perseverance

ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the resilience needed to succeed in entrepreneurship, highlighting two standout examples from the 2024 competition. “Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal won the Grand Prize on his third attempt, and Alexander Odhiambo from Kenya, our second runner-up, applied twice before reaching the Top 10. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that success at ABH isn’t just about taking home the prize. It’s about resilience – the courage to keep showing up, to learn, to grow and to keep believing in your vision even when the odds are tough. That’s the true spirit of entrepreneurship, and exactly what ABH celebrates.”

Eligibility Criteria

ABH welcomes applications from entrepreneurs across all sectors and African countries. To qualify, applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a business that is registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa. They must be African citizens or direct descendants and have at least three years of revenue with proven market traction.

Application Process

The ABH competition offers valuable learning opportunities at every stage. Judges rigorously review applications in the first round, selecting the Top 50 based on merit. These finalists then face in-depth interviews with seasoned business leaders, who assess their potential and narrow the pool to the Top 20.

Following due diligence on the Top 20, they are announced and advance to the Semi-Final, where they pitch in person to a distinguished panel. Judges then select the Top 10, who compete in the Grand Finale’s live pitch competition to determine the winners of the $1.5 million grant funding.

How to Apply

Entrepreneurs eager to seize this opportunity can begin their journey by registering (https://apo-opa.co/4lc6DNy) an ABH account and confirming their eligibility. The application requires them to articulate their personal vision, business model and future plans, alongside submitting a reference and a video introduction. Aspiring business leaders across Africa are invited to take this bold step toward funding, mentorship and unparalleled exposure.

For more information and to apply, visit https://apo-opa.co/4lc6DNy.

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

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Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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1 minute ago

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July 1, 2026

By

Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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1 hour ago

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July 1, 2026

By

Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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Nominations Open for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2026 Honouring and Celebrating Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs

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2 hours ago

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July 1, 2026

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AWIEF

The AWIEF Awards was established since 2017 to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of female founders and business leaders across Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) calls for nominations for the 2026 edition of the prestigious AWIEF Awards.

The AWIEF Awards was established since 2017 to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of female founders and business leaders across Africa.

The Awards have showcased and honoured exceptional women leaders who are building successful businesses, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to Africa’s economic growth, while inspiring future generations and highlighting the vital role of women in Africa’s development.

To remain relevant and responsive to Africa’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem, this year the Awards categories have been refined to better reflect emerging trends, innovation, and impact.

In addition to updating the existing categories, AWIEF has introduced the Male Ally Award to recognise male leaders whose actions and influence have contributed meaningfully to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership.

The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2026 will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony and gala dinner on 11 November 2026, as the grand finale of the AWIEF 2026 Conference, taking place on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.

Awards Categories

Woman to Watch Award

The Woman to Watch Award recognises a female leader under 35, or founder/leader of a venture under three years old, based in or primarily operating in Africa, who is already demonstrating strong early traction through revenue, pilots, partnerships, users, or beneficiaries.

Tech Pioneer Award

This award spotlights a female founder or senior leader with at least five years’ experience in technology or innovation, who is using tech, digital tools, data, or deep-tech solutions at the core of the business or initiative to tackle a clearly defined African challenge such as access, inclusion, efficiency, or scalability.

 

Agri Award

Honouring outstanding women in agriculture, this Award celebrates female founders and leaders with 5+ years in agriculture, agri-processing, agri-tech, food systems, or value chains, who are transforming Africa’s food systems and value chains while advancing productivity, sustainability, food security, or farmer livelihoods.

Creative Visionary Award

The Creative Visionary Award recognises a female entrepreneur, creator, or leader with at least five years’ experience in the creative industries (such as fashion, design, media, film, music, art, architecture, digital content, or cultural industries) who is significantly shaping African narratives, culture, or creative economies.

 

Impact for Good Award

The Impact for Good Award honours a female founder or leader whose initiative has been active for at least three years in sustainability, climate, energy, social innovation, community development, health, or education, and can demonstrate measurable social and/or environmental impact well beyond intent or pilot stage.

 

Male Ally Award

The Male Ally Award honours a male leader, founder, executive, policymaker, or senior decision-maker with 10+ years of leadership who goes beyond words to actively break barriers for women in Africa, driving sustained, systemic change for women’s economic empowerment.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a visionary, female leader with at least 25 years of leadership, entrepreneurship, or public service whose lifelong contribution has helped shape Africa’s economic, social, or institutional development and paved the way for future generations of women trailblazers.

 

No nominations are required for this category. Each year AWIEF identifies and selects from across African regions the recipient for this special award.

 

How to Nominate

You can nominate yourself or someone else. To submit nominations, please go to: https://apo-opa.co/4p2fAvk

Nominations close on 3 August 2026, at 11:59 PM CAT.

Important Dates

  • Nominations Open: 30 June 2026
  • Nominations Close: 3 August 2026
  • Finalists Announced: September 2026
  • AWIEF 2026 Conference and Awards Gala Dinner: 10 – 11 November 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

 

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