Applications now open for MEST Africa Challenge 2024

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, has launched the 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC). This year’s challenge seeks to identify and support exceptional agritech entrepreneurs who are addressing critical agricultural challenges in West Africa.

In the rapidly evolving world of agritech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. MAC 2024 is here to bridge that gap, offering startups the opportunity to ‘find their soil’ by providing critical support, funding and mentorship.

“Find Your Soil is a call to action for agritech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” says Ashwin Ravichandran, portfolio adviser for MEST Africa.

MEST Africa is committed to fostering job creation and economic growth across the continent through software entrepreneurship. By offering specialised tech entrepreneurial training and investment opportunities, the organisation empowers Africa’s brightest minds to build and scale impactful businesses.

The MEST Africa Challenge 2024, centred on the agritech sector, is open to startups from key West African markets including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo. The winning startup will receive $50 000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence.

Since its inception, MEST has invested over $30 million into training more than 2 000 entrepreneurs and has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across sectors including agritech, fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, digital media and healthcare. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for agritech entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.

Eligibility criteria for MEST Africa Challenge 2024:

• Early-stage technology startup
• Monthly recurring revenue – a minimum of $5k
• Funding raised – $0 to $1m cumulative
• Years in existence – three years and below
• Traction – at least 6 months of recurring revenue
• Founding team – at least two founding team members
• Registered in Delaware – this is preferred
• Any industry
• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc.)
• All participants must pitch in English

Interested agritech entrepreneurs can learn more and apply here.