The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) has named NINE, RiseUp, and 22 On Sloane as regional partners for Western, Northern, and Southern Africa respectively, expanding its reach across the continent. The Nigerian, Egyptian, and South African organizations will collaborate with Nailab, ANPI's Eastern Africa partner, to promote the competition that aims to support African entrepreneurs through a Sh100 million prize fund.
Founded by the Jack Ma Foundation, ANPI will host a decade-long pitch competition culminating in a finale where ten finalists will vie for the prize. Nailab founder Sam Gichuru emphasized the initiative's focus on technology-driven ventures, traditional businesses, and enterprises led by women and grassroots communities. "Our partners will help bring the Prize to all corners of Africa, spotlighting a new generation of entrepreneurs," he said.
Graca Machel, a member of ANPI's advisory board, highlighted the initiative's emphasis on women entrepreneurs, stating that "undiscovered heroes" could become key figures in Africa's economic landscape. 22 On Sloane, a GEN Africa project, operates the continent's largest startup campus, while RiseUp organizes the MENA region's premier entrepreneurship summit. NINE, Nigeria's largest incubator network, pledged to leverage its 15,000+ partner organizations to boost African business growth.
Applications for the 2019 competition will open on March 27 and close June 30. Finalists will receive grant funding from the Jack Ma Foundation and access to a network of African business leaders. The prize aims to foster innovation across sectors, with regional partners playing a central role in identifying promising ventures.
