ADDIS ABABA, May 29-- Renowned film actor, director and martial artist Jet Li on Thursday vowed his support to the efforts of entrepreneurial development in Africa. Jet Li stressed the need to facilitate situations and create a conducive environment for African entrepreneurs, pointing out that platforms such as the Africa Netpreneur Initiative (ANPI) play an important role in entrepreneurship development on the continent. In an interview with Xinhua, Jet Li expressed hope that Africa would see more entrepreneurs in the future, and such initiative as the ANPI reaches the youth and is exploited effectively on the continent. The ANPI has been launched by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's founder, Jack Ma, being his foundation's flagship philanthropic program in Africa. Jet Li was a cheerleader during the finale competition of the 1st edition of Africa Netpreneur Prize held in Accra, Ghana in November 2019. The interview was made as preparations for the 2nd edition of the Africa Netpreneur Prize are underway. The interview was made through Internet voice call. Over a ten-year period, the ANPI plans to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and commit to allocating 100 million U.S. dollars in grant funding, training programs, and support for the broad African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative annually accepts applications from entrepreneurs of all African countries, regardless of the sector. Ten finalists will compete in a televised finale named Africa's Business Heroes Show and win prize from the Jack Ma Foundation. |