GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge 2024

Published: 06 Feb 2024 1,041 views

GBSN is pleased to present the 4th annual Africa Business Concept Challenge (ABCC), a virtual business concept competition for African undergraduate and graduate students. The competition challenges student teams to develop a viable business concept that addresses a locally-relevant challenge or problem related to Agenda 2063, and inclusive and sustainable development.

The Africa Business Concept Challenge intends to assist young people from the African continent who have an entrepreneurial orientation, a desire to serve their community, and demonstrate the values outlined below. With a focus on promoting responsible business, the competition identifies high potential young people for mentorship and investment. 

GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge

Benefits of GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge

• Societal Impact: The Challenge offers a chance to make an impact on local community problems.
• Networking: Opportunities with student teams from across the globe, as well as experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• Mentoring & Industry Experts: High-caliber, experienced judges, who are experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
• Structure, Feedback & Guidance: Personalized, individual feedback during the project development process from Team Advisors.
• There is a $5,000 prize for the first place winner.

Requirements for GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge

• Open to all institutions of learning, training and development on the African continent.
• Student teams must consist of two to five members, where at least two must be enrolled at an African institution at the time of the competition. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
• Each participating team must have a mentor to work with. Mentors will help guide teams and enrich the learning experience. The ABCC aims to build a community platform for learning–not just a competition but an opportunity for mutual support.
• GBSN Membership is not required to participate. There is no charge to participate in the competition.
• All projects must address:
  • A community challenge or need
  • A business solution
  • A viable business concept
  • Implementation and impact of business solution

Selection Process

Students will be judged based on…

Problem Framing:

• Does the team showcase evident research in their solution development and framing of the problem? Is it a viable problem that can be solved by the solution presented? Are there new insights that were previously unknown?

Relevance:  

• How is the problem relevant to the SDGs/Agenda 2063? Does it make sense in the context of the community?

Business Potential:

• Is the solution feasible in the selected represented region? Does it include a feasible business growth model?

Innovation:

• Does the team provide convincing rationale to the actual innovation?  Is the solution innovative? 

Presentation (for live pitches ONLY) Q&A:

• How effective and cohesive was the presentation? Are the students able to answer additional questions? Are all aspects included in the presentation? 
• Additionally: Style of presentation, was it well-rehearsed and easy to follow?

Application Deadline

How to Apply