MEST Africa is Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2025

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— The one year training program is designed to make interested candidates ready to pitch their startup ideas for funding and launch businesses that solve local and global problems through software technology

[Accra, Ghana — January 11, 2024] — The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), a leader in tech entrepreneurship training in Africa, announces the opening of applications for the Class of 2025. This 12 month, fully sponsored program, based in Accra, offers a unique training program to help budding entrepreneurs transform their ideas into viable startup businesses through various modules including software development, go-to-market strategies, sales strategies, UI/UX Design, communications and more.

The one year training program is designed to make interested candidates ready to pitch their startup ideas for funding and launch businesses that solve local and global problems through software technology.

Participants will benefit from an extensive curriculum and mentorship by industry leaders and international experts, culminating in the chance to secure seed funding and business incubation for their tech/software startup. MEST’s impact is evident in its training of more than a 1000 entrepreneurs and over 90 funded startups across the continent, a testament to its commitment to nurturing pan-African tech talent.

“Our mission at MEST is to empower the next generation of African tech innovators,” said Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST Training Program. “The Class of 2025 presents an exciting opportunity to nurture and elevate the brightest minds, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to drive impactful change across the continent through their tech startups.”

Applicants must hold a degree from a reputable University or Technical College or demonstrate equivalent experience. Entrepreneurial or corporate work experience, coupled with a fervent passion for launching a software company in Africa, is what will truly place the candidate in a unique position to be successful in this opportunity. Additionally, candidates should showcase exceptional soft skills, including leadership qualities and effective communication abilities.

Key Dates for Applicants:

  • Application Deadline: March 18, 2024
  • Final Interviews: April & May 2024 in Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Nairobi, and Johannesburg (exact dates to be confirmed later)
  • Training Program Commencement: August 2024 in Accra, Ghana

For more information visit this link

Application submissions should be made here

Join our Telegram Channel at bit.ly/mest_telegram for updates and insights.

For further inquiries, please contact recruitment@meltwater.org.

For more information about MEST Africa or media inquiries, contact:

Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei
Communications and Community Manager, MEST Africa
marketing@meltwater.org

MEST Africa Unveils Top 5 Startups Vying for $50K Equity Prize in 2023 MEST Africa Challenge

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— These startups have emerged victorious after rigorous pitch sessions, beating out 40 competing startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa

ACCRA, Ghana — The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), an Africa-wide pitch competition for early-stage technology startups, is proud to announce the top 5 Regional Winners who will compete for the grand prize of $50,000 in equity.
These startups have emerged victorious after rigorous pitch sessions, beating out 40 competing startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. The finalists represent diverse sectors, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and edtech.

Meet the Winners:

  • Letaji (Kenya): Revolutionizing the construction industry, Letaji is an online marketplace streamlining the process of purchasing building materials. It connects homeowners, contractors, and hardware stores directly with top suppliers.
  • Chestify AI (Ghana): This innovative platform enhances patient care by facilitating seamless connections and support among clinical professionals.
  • OneHealth (Nigeria): At the forefront of health tech, OneHealth offers an integrated platform for virtual consultations, connecting patients with doctors and diagnostic centers while managing prescriptions and test results online.
  • Sanya (Senegal): A visionary in IT edutainment, Sanya creates a unique blend of educational and entertainment digital products, fostering a community-based approach to tech learning for companies.
  • Koa Academy (South Africa): Pioneering the future of online education, Koa Academy stands at the forefront in South Africa with its innovative approach to digital learning.

The finalists are expected to pitch for the winning prize money at the end of January, an event that will be organized and hosted by MEST Africa.

Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST expressed his excitement about the upcoming finals: “The top 5 finalists of the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge are a testament to the remarkable innovation and potential within Africa’s tech ecosystem. Each startup has shown incredible prowess in their fields. We eagerly anticipate their presentations at the Final Demo Day, where they will connect with our dynamic network of entrepreneurs, investors, and partners.”

The MEST Africa Challenge, a flagship initiative of MEST Africa, plays a pivotal role in nurturing aspiring and early-stage tech startups across Africa. As a comprehensive training program, seed fund and network of hubs, MEST Africa is dedicated to empowering the next generation of African tech startup innovators.

This year’s challenge, in partnership with Absa Bank — a leader in African financial services committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship — highlights the collaborative spirit driving Africa’s technological advancement.

For more information and updates on the MEST Africa Challenge, visit https://meltwater.org/mac/.

For media inquiries, contact:

Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei

Communications and Community Manager, MEST Africa

ophesmur@meltwater.org