Africa
Jack Ma’s Netpreneur Prize Entries to Close on June 30th
The call for entries for Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) deadline is nearing, already set on June 30 2019. This means interested entrepreneurs have only 4 days to submit their applications for the chance to pitch Jack Ma and win a share of the $1-million.
Launched in 2018, the Jack Ma led initiative has a budget of $10 million over a 10-year period. This means each year, 10 entrepreneurs will share $1m each year.
Through the contest, Ma aims to support African tech entrepreneurs in their efforts to build a more sustainable and inclusive Africa for the future. Jack Ma decided to create the prize after his first trip to Africa in July 2017 when he was inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he met.
The competition is open to entrepreneurs from across all countries of Africa to apply; and from all industries, including traditional and tech. It puts a special focus on small enterprises, female entrepreneurs, and those doing work to improve local communities.
The businesses pitched also has to founded and registered in the African country in which they operate. Also, they must have been operational for at least three years and show earnings for these years. Their products or services must also be adapted to the continent’s needs.
To enter the competition, each business must create three short videos – one from the founder, one from an employee, and one from a customer. Applicants must be African nationals leading mission-driven organisations and must have been operating for at least three years. The finalists will be selected by a team of judges from the five regions representing the entire continent.
Interested applicants can head to the ANPI website and click Apply Now. You will need to fill in a form to create an account which you will use to complete the submission process.
Semi-finalists will then be selected by a group of judges and notified in August with the top ten finalists travelling to the Grand Finale in November.
