MAC - MEST

Senegal’s Kwely wins MAC 2022!

Kwely is a digital made-in-Africa products distribution platform founded by Birame Sock, a Senegalese entrepreneur. The female-founded startup emerged as the winner out of four other startup finalists from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

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MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), is a Pan-African start-up pitch competition, launched with the aim of providing a stage for technology startups to raise funding, build industry networks and gain global visibility.

In its fourth year, the MAC received hundreds of applications from technology startups in 5 African markets – Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa to compete on a global stage for up to $50,000 in equity investment and a lifetime of support from MEST Africa’s global community.

Top 5 Finalists

Meet the Regional Finalists

Key Benefits of the MEST Africa Challenge

Win $50000

Stand the chance of winning $50,000 in equity

Global Visibility

Gain visibility from investors & potential partners

A lifetime of Support

Get lifetime benefits from MEST’s community

Partner Prizes

Win prizes and perks from MEST strategic partners

Hear from the MAC 2022 Winner

Highlights from the Final Pitch

Previous Winners

Perk Partners for MAC 2022

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where will we pitch?

The Regional Finals will take place virtually. Dates and times will be communicated to participants directly and across our channels

How long do we have for our pitch?

Each pitch will last for 5 minutes with 5 minutes Q&A. Startups must include a live demo of their product during pitches.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced after all the regional competitions have been held

What language should we pitch in?

All pitches and Q&A will be made in English.

Is the pitch competition physical?

Only the Final Demo Day will be a physical event. The regional competitions will be held virtually

Are Regional Finalists expected to be in Accra for the Final Demo Day ?

Regional Finalists will be fully sponsored with travel to and from Accra, housing, and transport for the final pitch day on December 1 2022. Regional finalists should plan to arrive in Accra at the end of November 2022.

How long are finalists expected to be in Accra for the Final Demo Day?

3-4 days. Regional Finalists will arrive in Accra 2 days before the competition and will depart on December 2nd, 2022.

Note: Winner will be expected to stay in Accra for a longer duration, about 5-6 days total.

Will MEST organize pitch readiness sessions for applicants?

Pitch readiness sessions will only be organized for Regional Finalists preparing for the final Demo Day.

Where does my startup need to be located to participate in MAC?

You’re eligible to apply if your company is based in one or more of the 5 countries where we will hold the Regional Finals (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya)

What is the Grand Prize?

$50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Portfolio resources and strategic partnerships, 1 year professional business coaching in addition to other benefits and prizes for main winner and Regional Finalists.

What kind of business will qualify?

A pre-seed or seed stage tech-enabled or software company that is currently generating income and has been in operation for 2 years or under. The company must be able to demonstrate traction in at least one of the 5 MAC countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya).

Build a Better Business

Watch Final Pitch

The 2022 MEST Africa Challenge