The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, has opened applications for the sixth edition of the MEST Africa Challenge, which this year seeks to identify and support exceptional agri-tech entrepreneurs.
Founded in Ghana in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Jorn Lyseggen, MEST is a pan-African software and entrepreneurship training programme, seed fund, and incubator helping to launch technology startups across the continent.
The MEST Africa Challenge, which offers winners US$50,000 in equity funding, is now in its sixth edition, and for the first time has a specific sector focus. The challenge offers agri-tech startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship.
“”Find Your Soil” is a call to action for agri-tech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, portfolio advisor at MEST Africa.
The MEST Africa Challenge 2024 is open to startups from key West African markets, including Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo.
The winning startup will receive US$50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence. Applications are open here.
