2024: Our Highlights of a Transformative Year!
Dear MEST Community,
As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride. Together, we have pushed beyond the ordinary, supported one another through challenges, and built networks that transcend borders. To every entrepreneur, mentor, partner, alumnus, and friend of MEST Africa — thank you. Your dedication, creativity, and resilience make it possible for us to continue writing a remarkable story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact across the continent and beyond.
This year, we affirmed our vision: to empower young African entrepreneurs to create global connections and build companies that set new standards of excellence. In doing so, we have lived and breathed our values of Generosity, Positivity, and Standards. These core principles have shaped our decisions, guided every partnership, and fueled every success we are celebrating today.
Key Achievements of 2024
MEST Training Program:
This year, we welcomed a diverse cohort of 48 change-makers from 18 countries into the MEST Training Program, including 27 men and 21 women — proving that with each passing year, we are leveling the playing field for aspiring entrepreneurs of all genders. The Class of 2024’s graduation was a defining moment, with 11 pitches that showcased the talent and tenacity of our entrepreneurs. Three pioneering startups — Worklyn, Pikelo, and Intelli — secured $100K each, setting them on a trajectory to shape Africa’s digital future.
MEST Portfolio Highlights:
Our portfolio companies have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving marketplace. Despite tough economic headwinds, they have recalibrated strategies, pursued bold expansions, and strengthened their business models. We are thrilled to welcome SAYeTECH and Koa Academy into our growing portfolio, and to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our existing companies. Notably, both Oze and OkHi earned recognition and support from Visa — an affirmation of their innovation and global appeal. Their success stories, and the breakthroughs of so many others, testify to the resilience and ingenuity that define African entrepreneurship.
MEST Alumni Highlights:
Beyond investments, we strengthened bonds across the continent through three dynamic Alumni summits in Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra. More than 250 alumni and ecosystem leaders came together to celebrate success, share insights, and forge new alliances. Each event was a powerful reminder that when we come together, the possibilities are limitless.
Our New Home in Osu:
After 16 incredible years of nurturing and empowering Africa’s brightest entrepreneurs in East Legon, we are thrilled to announce our move to Osu, right in the heart of Accra’s bustling business scene. Our new home at Buro, a vibrant co-working space for startups and creative minds, perfectly aligns with our mission and vision. This move places us at the center of emerging opportunities and ensures we remain closely connected to the pulse of Ghanaian and African innovation.
Programs & Partnerships:
The generosity and ingenuity of MEST’s partners and community have given rise to programs that reshape the landscape of innovation in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Our programs this year demonstrated that with the right support, bold ideas can translate into lasting change.
UNDP Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Program:
In partnership with UNDP, this Ghana-based initiative supports atypical actors — rural and marginalized youth — to tackle pressing social challenges. Using a challenge fund model, YAI fosters inclusive innovation and scales impact, bringing fresh voices and solutions to the ecosystem.
EdTech Fellowship (Mastercard Foundation):
This fellowship provided intensive support to 12 EdTech startups across the Northern, Ashanti, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Ranging from learning management systems to assistive tools for students with disabilities, these ventures collectively impacted 119,412 learners. With teams comprised of 73 members (38% female, 62% male), these startups showcased how quality education solutions can emerge and thrive locally. The EdTech Fellowship’s Demo Day celebrated their achievements, connecting these innovators with key stakeholders eager to accelerate digital learning solutions.
Generation–GROW:
Over three cohorts, 291 young people were trained in web development and digital marketing, with a remarkable 81% female representation. These talented graduates are not just job-ready; they are equipped to shape Africa’s digital landscapes and drive inclusive economic growth.
UNICEF StartUp Lab (USL) — Cohort 4 Graduation:
From over 500 applications, 25 startups were selected for the UNICEF StartUp Lab, representing diverse regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Northern, Volta, Ahafo, and Brong Ahafo) and sectors including Education, Health, AgriTech, Frontier Technologies, Assistive Technologies, Mobility, Fintech, and Climate Action. They raised more than GHS 2,882,376 (USD 178,364.85) in investment and grants, created 47+ jobs, and reached over 260 customers. As Cohort 4 graduated, they joined the ranks of innovators equipped to tackle Africa’s toughest challenges. The USL program sparked two key initiatives:
- Bold Network for Female Founders, fostering an environment for leading female entrepreneurs to network, collaborate, and scale.
- Makers Forum for hardware startups, addressing sector-specific challenges like intellectual property and currency management, and inspiring practical innovations that move the continent forward.
Looking Ahead
As we turn our eyes to the future, we do so with unwavering confidence that we are on the right path. The challenges we faced and conquered this year remind us that obstacles are just stepping stones to greater heights. We have seen firsthand that, with bold ambition and unwavering resolve, African entrepreneurs can build companies that change industries and uplift communities around the world.
In 2025 and beyond, MEST Africa will continue to serve as a catalyst for global change — nurturing talent, bridging gaps, and showcasing what is possible when vision, heart, and execution meet. Let’s carry the energy, the momentum, and the spirit of 2024 with us as we step into a new year filled with opportunity and promise.
Together, we rise. Together, we lift each other higher. Let’s keep creating, innovating, and connecting as we shape the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.
With gratitude and anticipation,
MEST Africa