Applications are open for the Harambeans Africa Jobs Fund Prize 2026, offering $20,000 in grant funding to an African entrepreneur or member of the African diaspora building an export-oriented business in Africa.
The Prize is a partnership between Harambeans and the Africa Jobs Fund (AJF). The winner will also join the Harambeans Alliance, a pan-African community of entrepreneurs with access to relationships, knowledge, capital and partnership opportunities.
Funding and Follow-on Investment
The $20,000 Prize is a grant intended to help an entrepreneur start building or advance an early-stage venture.
Beyond the Prize, successful ventures may enter a pathway to further financing through the Africa Jobs Fund:
Up to $100,000 in investment may be available for scoping and pilot activities such as prototype development, market validation, securing first customers or initial production.
Businesses that successfully demonstrate their model may subsequently be considered for $100,000–$1 million in scale-up investment, structured as debt or revenue-based financing rather than grants. Follow-on financing is potential, not guaranteed.
What Businesses Are They Looking For?
The Prize focuses on businesses that produce in Africa and sell to global markets, particularly ventures capable of creating substantial employment.
Areas of interest include:
Light manufacturing | Agriculture and agro-processing | Consumer products | Industrial products and components | Export infrastructure and enabling services | Other export-oriented businesses
Potential applicants do not need to have incorporated a company or developed a polished business plan. Early-stage ventures and entrepreneurs with compelling business concepts can apply.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must either be born in an African country or be of African descent.
The call particularly suits founders who have identified products Africa can manufacture competitively, entrepreneurs already building export businesses, and members of the African diaspora considering building or expanding ventures on the continent.
The winner will be announced on November 12, 2026 during the Harambeans Session at the British Parliament in London and will join the 20th Harambeans class in 2027.
Early Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Final Deadline: October 14, 2026