Open call: Black Ambition Ghana Prize

This initiative, founded by renowned US producer and singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, aims to empower entrepreneurs in key sectors, including entertainment, media and technology. Since launching in 2020, Black Ambition has awarded approximately $10m to 101 dynamic founders as part of efforts to close the opportunity and wealth gap for Black and Hispanic communities through entrepreneurship.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Business at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by person(s) who identify as Black/African/African-American.
• Founder and business residing/operating in Ghana.
• Business operating for less than five years.
• No direct or indirect operating relationship with an existing large-scale corporation, investment fund or government agency.
• Founders and their immediate family members cannot be employed or contracted by Black Ambition or AfroFuture Festival.
• Annual business revenues less than $1m.
• Have not yet raised more than $1m in dilutive capital.
• Businesses must be in consumer products & services, healthcare, media & entertainment, technology, and Web 3.0.
• All determinations of participant eligibility shall be made at the sole discretion of Black Ambition.

The deadline for submissions is 14 December.

How to Participate

Participation is open to local entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in the specified sectors. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can complete the online submission form here.

Prizes

Entrepreneurs operating in Ghana will be eligible to win up to $10 000 in funding. The first-place winner will receive $5 000, the second-place winners will receive $3,000, and the third-place winner will receive $2 000.

The Black Ambition Ghana Prize adds to other contests designed around the 2023 AfroFuture Festival, including the Rising Star Challenge for emerging talent throughout the continent, and the Rising DJ & Producer Challenge aiming to enhance the visibility of independent artists, producers and DJs across Africa.

AfroFuture is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and the vibrant work of African creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival is designed to elevate and highlight the thrilling and thriving millennial talent in Africa by introducing an interactive event that teaches. This year, Nigerian artist Davido, Ghana’s Black Sherif and British-Gambian rapper J Hus have been confirmed as headliners for the festival, which is expected to draw more than 30 000 patrons.

“AfroFuture has always been more than just a festival; it’s a full-circle celebration of everything African — our culture, our people, our talents, and serves as a platform for us to appreciate and acknowledge the larger contributions we make in the world,” AfroFuture CEO and co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah said.

View the original call here.