MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-stage Tech Startups

MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-stage Tech Startups is now open for applications. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups seeking to ramp up traction and growth.

MEST is an Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for technology startups in Africa.

Founded in Ghana in 2008, MEST provides critical skills training, funding, and support in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s tech entrepreneurs. Hubs are located in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; Cape Town, South Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya. MEST is funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the non-profit arm of Meltwater, a global leader in media intelligence and Outside Insight.

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MEST Africa Challenge 2024.

Dream big, pitch bold, and unlock the next stage of your business and entrepreneurial growth. For early-stage technology startups seeking to realize their full potential and unleash innovative solutions, an incredible opportunity awaits. Join us for the 5th year of the MEST Africa Challenge to unlock funding, mentorship, and unparalleled opportunities to propel your startup’s success.

This year, we are thrilled to bring even more excitement to early-stage entrepreneurs with startups based in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa. As part of this prestigious competition, tech founders stand a chance to win the coveted USD 50,000 in equity, gain global recognition, and become part of MEST Africa’s lifelong supportive community.

Become a part of Africa’s burgeoning tech entrepreneurs and innovators by showcasing your groundbreaking innovation at Africa’s leading startup pitch competition. Take your business to new heights with us!

Launched to provide a stage for technology startups to raise funding, build industry networks and gain global visibility, the competition has grown to become a key establishment in Africa’s startup technology industry giving an unprecedented global platform to hundreds of entrepreneurs from all over Africa.

Related: Google AI First Accelerator Program 2024 for African Startups.

Key Benefits of the MEST Africa Challenge.

• Win $50,000: Stand the chance of winning $50,000 in equity
• Global Visibility: Gain visibility from investors & potential partners
• A lifetime of Support: Get lifetime benefits from MEST’s community
• Partner Prizes: Win prizes and perks from MEST strategic partners

The Three Mest Pillars of MEST Africa Challenge 2024.

MEST consists of a 1-year training program at our Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, followed by support and mentorship through our hub network across Africa. All members of MEST become part of our Africa-wide tech community and receive access to our network of mentors, entrepreneurs, corporate partners and more.

Training Program

Aspiring entrepreneurs from across Africa apply each year to participate in a fully-funded, one-year entrepreneurship training program in Accra, Ghana. The program dives deep into business, tech and communications, with an emphasis on practical experience.

Incubatuon & Seed Fund

Graduates of the MEST Training Program who successfully convince our board will receive seed funding and full support to launch their businesses with MEST incubation, to scale across African markets.

African Tech Community

Our tech community of leading entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners and ecosystem players spans across the continent. Members of MEST have access to our network, and to one another, as they grow their companies.

Read also: AERC PhD Fellowship 2024/2025 for Sub-Saharan African Countries.

MEST Africa Challenge Eligibility Criteria.

Your business must be an early-stage technology startup based in at least one of the 5 countries where we will hold the Regional Finals (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya) with the following characteristics:

• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
• Funding raised: Cumulative $1M or less
• Years in existence: 3 years and below 
• Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
• Founding team: At least 2 founding team members 
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)

Grand Prize:

USD 50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Portfolio resources and strategic partnerships, 1-year professional business coaching in addition to other benefits and prizes for the main winner and Regional Finalists.

How to Apply for MEST Africa Challenge 2024.

• Complete the MEST Africa Challenge online application by clicking the button below.
  • Submit a pitch deck and a 3mins Video pitch
• Selection of the top 10 finalists from each country
• Virtual Regional Finals competition held for each country 
• Selection of top 5 startups (1 from each country)
• The top 5 compete at the grand finale and Demo Day

Video Pitch Guidelines;

• The video duration should be a maximum of 3 minutes and can be taken with a mobile phone
• The applicant must appear on camera for the pitch. This means that animated videos, videos with text and a voiceover, etc. cannot be used as the pitch. 
• Applicants will not be scored on video quality, as the focus will be on the pitch itself, however, the applicant must ensure s/he is visible and audible.
• The pitch must be made in English

Note: All pitches and Q&A will be made in English.

The Regional Finals will take place virtually. Dates and times will be communicated to participants directly and across our channels.

FAQs.