The MEST Training Program is a one year, fully sponsored, graduate-level program in tech entrepreneurship. During this full-time and fully sponsored program, Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) expand their skills and knowledge in software development, business, and communications while developing viable businesses. The program culminates in an investor pitch with the opportunity to receive seed funding and enter MEST’s portfolio for company incubation.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PROGRAM
The Training program provides rigorous entrepreneurial training, extensive hands-on project work, and intentional mentoring designed to ensure EITs are equipped to develop world-class tech businesses.
Practical Skills Development
EITs validate, build, test, and pitch ideas in a fail-safe environment, promoting hands-on learning and resilience.
Strategic Mentorship
EITs access community and industry experts for tailored guidance, fostering individual and team development.
Comprehensive Sponsorship
EITs receive a full scholarship covering program costs, including housing, transportation, and meals.
Industry-Backed Learning
EITs learn from experienced experts and professionals across industries, gaining diverse insights throughout the program.
A look at our Training Program
Hear from our EITs about their training program experience
The MEST Journey
A glimpse of the MEST Training Program experience
Software development & business fundamentals
Business focused pitch
Business focused pitch
Software & mobile app development life cycle and business strategy
Product focused pitch
Product focused pitch
MVP , Go-to-market, & customer acquisition
Pre-incubation + investor pitch with live demo
Pre-incubation + investor pitch with live demo
Final investor pitch & graduation
PROGRAM CURRICULUM SAMPLE
Software Development
- Core Programming Languages
- Web Development
- Mobile Development
- Software Engineering
- UI/UX
Business
- Market Research
- Lean Startup Methodology
- Design Thinking
- Product Development and Innovation
- Revenue and Business Modeling
- Financial Management and Investments
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Metrics and Measurements
Marketing & Communications
- Branding and Communications
- Marketing and Growth Hacking
- Investor Pitching
- Team Management and Leadership
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Our goal at MEST is to create wealth and jobs on the continent. Our recruitment process seeks to identify the exceptionally talented and ambitious people with a strong desire to build a scalable software company in Africa.
Key Characteristics We Consider:
Passion
A deep passion for starting a software company in Africa
Experience
Entrepreneurial or corporate work experience
Education
A degree from a top university or Technical College (or equivalent experience)
Soft Skills
Confident with great leadership qualities, ability to work well with others, and communicate effectively
Commitment to the program
Successful applicants should be ready to commit to a full residential program for a whole year
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
- Visit the application portal and create an account
- Complete the required assessment
- Take an aptitude test
- Fill and submit the MEST Training Program application form
- Interviews
- Offer
TIMELINES FOR NEXT COHORT
- Applications open – 11th January 2024
- Applications close – 18th March 2024
- Final Interviews – April – May 2024 in Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Nairobi and Johannesburg
Training Program begins in August 2024 in Accra, Ghana
For more questions and inquiries, please send an email to recruitment@meltwater.org
