Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's Chairman Ma Yun launched on Wednesday in Johannesburg the Netpreneur Prize to support exemplary African business leaders.

 

中电商巨头阿里巴巴董事长马云周三在约翰内斯堡设立网络企业家奖，以帮助模范非洲商业领袖。
 

 

The prize was presented at a conference dubbed¹ Netpreneurs: The Rise of Africa's Digital Lions.

 

The prize will award 10 million U.S. dollars to 100 African entrepreneurs over the next 10 years focused on grassroots innovation, economic empowerment of women and small business.

 

"As a fellow entrepreneur, I understand the importance of getting support during the early days," said Ma. "This prize demonstrates our support of the next generation of young entrepreneurs across Africa who are paving the way for a better future and imparting positive change in their communities."

 

Starting from 2019, the Jack² Ma Foundation will host annual pitch competition, with 10 finalists selected from across the continent to showcase their talent and business ideas and compete for 1 million U.S. dollars in prize money.

 

All 10 finalists will receive grant funding from the Jack Ma Foundation as well as access to the Netpreneur community of African business leaders to leverage³ the community's shared expertise⁴, best practices and resources.

 

Ma said, "I am inspired and encouraged by these entrepreneurs who, together, will help build a sustainable, inclusive economy for Africa and for the world."

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