As part of efforts to educate and motivate African entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journey, "Africa's Business Heroes ", a prize competition under the Jack Ma Foundation has held a previewing of their "ABH Show" in Ghana ahead of the official launch to be held later in March featuring 2021's top Finalist.
The TV show would be aired across Africa featuring heroes from 7 different countries across Africa including Ghana's only representative, Ms. Violet Amoabeng, CEO of Skin Gourmet.
It spotlights mission-driven and impactful African entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference in their communities and helping to build a more sustainable, inclusive future through innovation.
A pre-viewing was organized by ABH at the Skin Gourmet Headquarters in Accra to show key highlights from last year's competition.
Ms. Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Program and Partnership Manager of ABH said that the main objective of the competition was to support the broader African entrepreneurial ecosystem by running an annual prize competition.
"The competition finds the 10 most talented African entrepreneurs who are creating impacts, are change markers and we call them heroes" she stated.
Participating entrepreneurs also receive training from ABH, undergo various mentorship programs and network with fellow entrepreneurs from across the continent with a chance to interact with global business leaders.
"We call them heroes because we believe they are leveraging business to change their society and create a sustainable economy" Ms. Baitie-Boateng emphasized.
She said that entrepreneurs were taken through a screening process and those who made it to the grand finale won their share of US1.5 million.
"Beyond that, we also try to share their story with the world through a TV Show.
The show will serve as a roadmap for other entrepreneurs seeking to build their own businesses she added.
The CEO of Skin Gourmet, Ms. Violet Amoabeng urged entrepreneurs in Africa and especially in Ghana to be desperate to be a part of the ABH competition.
Ms Amoabeng said that the competition was not focused on the grants but rather the push given to entrepreneurs to rethink their business strategies and goals.
"What ABH was able to give me, not a lot of people were able to give me and this is humility in leadership. That is the ability to learn because you don't know" she said.
She noted that ABH followed through to ensure that participants exceled in their business during and after the competition.
Speaking to BusinessGhana, she said that Skin Gourmet's aim was to encourage other Ghanaians not to depend on the government but forge ahead to make something for themselves through such competitions.
"With this business, we are able to drive it and let people know that yes we are Africans and we are Africans with excellence".
Skin Gourmet empowers women and communities in Ghana through sourcing organic products they cultivate.
She acknowledged that the entrepreneurial journey was not an easy one but can be overcome with dedication and consistency.
Ms Amoabeng launched her cosmetic business in 2016 and was featured in ForbesAfrica magazine in 2021.
Ms. Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Program and Partnership Manager of ABH