2024 MEST Africa Challenge for Early-Stage Startups

As MEST continues to deepen her influence on Africa’s tech landscape, the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) remains Africa’s premier pitch competition for Africa’s emerging tech entrepreneurs, bringing together relevant stakeholders all across the continent and globe to learn more about the happenings on the tech scene. This year will mark the 6th edition of MAC. MEST will provide the winning startup with investment capital, coaching and access to a global network of resources and partners as they build and scale successful businesses that add value to African economies and livelihoods.

This year, contestants for MAC will be based in West Africa with a focus on the following key markets: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo. For the first time, MAC will also place a sectoral emphasis on agri-tech,  recognizing its immense potential to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

• Table of Content
• About Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST)
• MEST Africa Challenge
• Aim and Benefits of MEST Africa Challenge
• Requirements for MEST Africa Challenge Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for MEST Africa Challenge
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST)

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

MEST Africa Challenge

Aim and Benefits of MEST Africa Challenge

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

Requirements for MEST Africa Challenge Qualification

To be eligible for the program, Startups can apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Early-stage Agritech startup
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
• Funding raised: $0 to $1M cumulative
• Years in existence: 3 years and below
• Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
• Must be operating in one of the 14 MAC countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo)
• Founding team: At least 2 founding team members
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…)
• All participants must pitch in English

Interview date, Process and Venue for MEST Africa Challenge

The competition consists of five stages starting with the online application. Successful applicants will then proceed to the following stages.

• Stage 1: Online application
• Stage 2: Selection of Top 20 semi finalists
• Stage 3: Virtual semi-finals (Top 20 applicants)
• Stage 4: Selection of Top 5 finalists
• Stage 5: Final Demo Day in Accra

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

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

For more details, visit MEST Africa website