Welcome to the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), a leading Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage tech startups. MAC provides a platform to secure funding, build networks, and gain global visibility, empowering entrepreneurs across Africa to accelerate their growth. Be bold. Be heard. Be funded.
MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups seeking to ramp up traction and growth. Launched with the aim of providing a stage for technology startups to raise funding, build industry networks and gain global visibility, the competition has grown to become a key establishment in Africa’s startup technology industry giving an unprecedented global platform to hundreds of entrepreneurs from all over Africa. Be bold. Be heard. Be funded.
Stand the chance of winning $50,000 in equity
Gain visibility from investors & potential partners
lifetime benefits from MEST’s community
Win prizes and perks from MEST strategic partners
What are the criteria for the 2024 MAC?
Your business must be an early-stage technology startup based in at least one of the fourteen MAC countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo) with the following characteristics:
What are the various stages of the competition?
What are the video pitch guidelines for the application?
Where will the Semi-Final Pitch competition be?
The Semi Finals will be private and virtual. A link for this session will be shared in advance to all Semi Finalists.
How long do we have for our pitch?
Each pitch will last for 5 minutes with 5 minutes Q&A. Startups can include a live demo of their product during pitches. This should be within time.
When will the winners be announced?
Semi Finalists will be announced a few days after their pitch and the overall challenge winner will be announced at the end of the Final Demo Day in December.
What language should we pitch in?
All pitches and Q&A will be made in English.
Is the pitch competition physical?
Yes.
Are all Finalists expected to be in Accra for the Final Demo Day?
Are all Finalists expected to be in Accra for the Final Demo Day ?
Who incurs the cost of travel for the Final Demo Day in Accra?
Finalists will be fully sponsored with travel to and from Accra, housing, and transport for the final pitch day in December 2024. Please plan to arrive in Accra a few days before.
How long are finalists expected to be in Accra for the Final Demo Day?
3-4 days. Plan to arrive in Accra 1-2 days before the final competition and depart the day after.
Will MEST organize pitch readiness sessions for applicants?
Pitch readiness sessions will only be organized for 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 operates in one or more of the fourteen MAC countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo)
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 the overall winner.