MEST Africa, the entrepreneurial institution renowned for its support of startups in Africa, has extended the application deadline for the MEST Africa Challenge. This extension is aimed at encouraging a wider range of applications from early-stage technology startups based in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa. The competition offers an opportunity for these startups to showcase their innovative business ideas. The application period is now open until October 16, 2023.

The MEST Africa Challenge offers substantial benefits to participants, with the winner receiving a USD 50,000 equity investment to help accelerate their business growth. Additionally, the winner and other standout participants gain access to MEST Africa’s global network, which can lead to valuable partnerships, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities. This platform is designed to help startups advance to the next level of growth and gain recognition on a global scale.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MEST Africa Challenge Lead, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We have seen significant interest from entrepreneurs across Africa, and in response, we have extended the application deadline. This ensures that all innovative startups have a fair opportunity to be part of this transformative journey. We’ve witnessed the positive impact this challenge has had on past winners, and we’re excited to discover the next startup that will make a mark in the African tech scene.”

read also MEST Africa Challenge 2023: Calling for Applications from African Startups

In 2022, the MEST Africa Challenge crowned Senegal’s B2B e-commerce startup, Kwely, as the winner, further solidifying its reputation as a platform for exceptional startups from across the African continent. Past participants have included startups like Tanzania’s Kilimo Fresh, Ghana’s OZE, South Africa’s Snode Technologies, Kenya’s Waya Waya, and Nigeria’s Accounteer, all of whom have contributed to the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in Africa.

To be eligible for the MEST Africa Challenge 2023, startups must meet certain criteria, including a minimum monthly recurring revenue of $5,000, cumulative funding raised of $1 million or less, existence for three years or less, at least six months of recurring revenue, a founding team of at least two members, and registration in Delaware (preferred). Demonstrated traction in key markets, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal, is also important.

Entrepreneurs looking to showcase their startups and unlock their potential are encouraged to apply for the MEST Africa Challenge at apo-opa.info/3rL7v4H.

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MEST, an African-wide software and entrepreneurship training program, seed fund, and incubator, plays a significant role in nurturing technology startups across the continent. Founded in Ghana in 2008 by Jorn Lyseggen, MEST offers a comprehensive 12-month program that provides training in software development, business skills, and communication to emerging tech talent in Africa. MEST not only provides seed funding for promising ideas but also supports the growth of its portfolio companies.

To date, MEST has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs from various African countries and funded more than 80 startups in sectors such as Agritech, Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare, among others. MEST is funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Meltwater, a global leader in social and media intelligence headquartered in San Francisco.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. 
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard

The application process for the 2023 edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is now officially open. In collaboration with Absa Bank, this challenge is seeking to engage early-stage technology startups operating within Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa.

According to a document obtained by Nairametrics, the MEST Africa Challenge presents a unique opportunity for startups to secure an equity investment of USD 50,000. This financial injection acts as a catalyst for their journey towards accelerated business expansion. Beyond the monetary support, the victor of this competition, alongside other outstanding participants, will gain access to MEST Africa’s extensive global community and networks. This access will open doors to invaluable partnerships, mentorship, and avenues for potential investment. The platform not only propels startups but also propounds them into the subsequent phase of their business development, ultimately granting them worldwide recognition.

The theme for this year, “Unlock Your Startup Potential,” resonates with the ever-evolving technological landscape that currently characterizes Africa.

Building on Previous Successes

Since its inception, the MEST Africa Challenge pitch competition has garnered numerous applications from across the African continent. Not only has this event achieved international acclaim, but it has also fostered meaningful partnerships while nurturing a vibrant community of African tech entrepreneurs. In the previous year, the MEST Africa Challenge bestowed its accolade upon Kwely, a Senegalese B2B e-commerce startup. Kwely’s innovative solutions set them apart in the fierce competition, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for entrepreneurs across Africa. This triumph not only spotlighted Kwely but also contributed to the growth of other winning startups like Kilimo Fresh from Tanzania, OZE from Ghana, Snode Technologies from South Africa, Waya Waya from Kenya, and Accounteer from Nigeria.

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Anticipating Innovation

Given the exceptional strides in technological innovation and adoption sweeping across the continent, this year’s competition is poised to showcase groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and Lead of the MEST Africa Challenge, expressed confidence in the challenge’s potential to unearth exceptional startups that will drive positive change in Africa and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

For startup ventures to be eligible for the program, they must operate within the agri-tech, biotechnology, and medical research sectors. They are required to have a monthly recurring revenue exceeding $5,000 and must have accumulated funding of $1 million or less. Additionally, startups should have been in existence for three years or less, possess at least six months of recurring revenue, include a minimum of two founding team members, and be registered within the domain of Delaware, United States. The application deadline is October 9th, 2023, and interested parties can apply here.

MEST Africa Challenge 2023

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert. 
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard