TV5MONDE and WeMake Productions officially launched the second season of the pan-African entrepreneurship competition, Les Nouveaux Boss, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Kinshasa. The program aims to promote African entrepreneurship by focusing on the growth potential and long-term viability of participating businesses.
For the second season, organizers have expanded the scope of the competition to include new sectors, such as health tech. Bouchra Rejani, CEO of WeMake Productions, stated that the program is shifting its focus from simple entrepreneurial pitches to the structural development of companies. Candidates are now permitted to present their projects in pairs, and the role of investors in the selection and mentoring process has been increased.
Nearly 1,000 applications were submitted for this edition. Following a selection process across four regional hubs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, and Morocco, 16 candidates will be chosen to advance. These finalists will participate in an accompaniment program at La Station to refine their business strategies and financial requirements before the grand finale, which is scheduled for October.
Nicole Sulu, a mentor for the competition and founder of the Makutano network, noted that the program’s objective is to transition from highlighting individual entrepreneurs to showcasing established businesses. Selection criteria include the project’s capacity for scaling, social impact, job creation, and potential for expansion within African markets. Participants will be evaluated on their financial literacy, market knowledge, and growth strategies.
The production of the second season is supported by the Alliance des patronats francophones, Bpifrance, and the French African Foundation. The show is broadcast in 160 countries, with the first season reaching approximately 100 million online views and 34 percent linear audience share in French-speaking Africa.
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