News


The MEST Africa Challenge is on for 2022

August 2022 News

Pre-seed to seed stage technology startups in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya and South Africa are invited to apply to participate in the regional competitions to be held in these countries in October this year. Two finalists will be selected from each country to participate in the final Demo Day Pitch event to be held in Accra, Ghana for the ultimate prize of $50 000 in equity. Entries will be accepted until 30 August 2022 through the competition’s online application portal.

Speaking on the 2022 edition of the competition, MEST Africa’s director of portfolio, Melissa Nsiah, said, “We are excited to bring back this competition to give more African startups a platform to showcase and build on their unique value in an era where African startups and innovations are taking centre stage and gaining global recognition and investments. We look forward to an invigorating season that will increase the drive towards building better businesses in Africa.”

Run by the pan-African training programme, seed fund, incubator and hub, MEST Africa, the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is Africa’s go-to pitch competition for technology startups looking to get to the next level of their growth journey. The challenge provides a stage for technology startups to raise funding, build industry networks and gain international visibility that would serve them well in growing and expanding their businesses.

The competition has received thousands of applications from around the continent since its inception. It has spotlighted and impacted the growth of winning startups such as Tanzania’s Kilimo Fresh, Ghana’s OZE, South Africa’s Snode Technologies, Kenya’s Waya Waya and Nigeria’s Accounteer.

Eligibility criteria for MAC 2022:

• Pre-seed or seed stage (must have raised $100 000 in total or less cumulatively since inception).

• Currently generating revenue.

• Can demonstrate traction in one or more of the five MAC markets (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal).

• Has been in operation for two years or less.

• Tech-enabled (software company).

• Industry agnostic.

• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G, etc…).

Key benefits of the programme:

• Funding of up to $50 000.

• Perk prizes from MEST Strategic Partners.

• Global visibility.

• Build your networks.

• Professional coaching.

• Mentorship from experts.

• Join the global MEST Community for lifetime benefits.

Learn more and apply at https://vc4a.com/mest/2022-mest-africa-challenge/application/ before 30 August 2022.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.

Read more...
Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.

Read more...
Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.

Read more...
Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.

Read more...
Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.

Read more...
High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.

Read more...
SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.

Read more...
From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.

Read more...
2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.

Read more...