Applications Now Open: MEST Africa Challenge Startup Pitch Competition

MEST Africa (Meltwater.org), in collaboration with Absa Bank, is excited to announce the launch of the much anticipated MEST Africa Challenge Startup Pitch Competition. This prestigious competition invites early-stage technology startups from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa to showcase their creative businesses and entrepreneurial acumen. The application period begins today and ends on October 9, 2023.

The MEST Africa Challenge provides outstanding incentives to participating entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a significant equity investment of USD 50,000, which will provide critical financial support to drive their business growth. Furthermore, the winner and other excellent participants will have access to MEST Africa’s global community and networks, which will open up potential partnership, mentorship, and investment opportunities. This platform propels startups to the next stage of their business growth and global exposure.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2022 MEST Africa Challenge was won by Kwely, a Senegalese B2B e-commerce business (https://apo-opa.info/3qLY7gV). Kwely’s innovative solutions stood out against the stiff competition, and their success serves as an inspiration to African businesses.

“This year’s tagline, ‘Unlock Your Startup Potential,’ resonates strongly with Africa’s vibrant technology landscape.” With extraordinary advances in technological innovation and acceptance across the continent, this year’s competition is set to showcase game-changing ideas and solutions. “I am confident that the MEST Africa Challenge will identify outstanding startups that will shape the future and drive positive change in Africa and beyond,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MEST Africa Challenge Lead.

The MEST Africa Challenge pitch competition has received thousands of applications from throughout the continent over the years, gaining global exposure and establishing partnerships while supporting a strong community of African tech pioneers. It has highlighted and influenced the creation of successful firms such as Tanzania’s Kilimo Fresh, Ghana’s OZE, South Africa’s Snode Technologies, Kenya’s Waya Waya, Nigeria’s Accounteer, and the reigning champion, Kwely from Senegal.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Monthly Recurring Revenue should be: $5k+
• Funding raised: Should be Cumulative $1M or less
• Years of existence: Should be 3 years and below
• Traction: Should be At least 6 months of recurring revenue
• Founding team: Should be At least 2 founding team members
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
• Demonstrated traction in MAC Markets of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Senegal
• Learn more and apply here: https://apo-opa.info/3YSKDwi Deadline 9th October 2023.