Application Deadline: October 4, 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups seeking to ramp up traction and growth. . This year will mark the 6th edition of MAC. MEST will provide the winning startup with investment capital, coaching and access to a global network of resources and partners as they build and scale successful businesses that add value to African economies and livelihoods.
This year, contestants for MAC will be based in West Africa with a focus on the following key markets: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo. For the first time, MAC will also place a sectoral emphasis on agri-tech, recognizing its immense potential to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the program, Startups can apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Early-stage Agritech startup
- Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
- Funding raised: $0 to $1M cumulative
- Years in existence: 3 years and below
- Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
- Must be operating in one of the 14 MAC countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo)
- Founding team: At least 2 founding team members
- Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
- Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…)
- All participants must pitch in English
Benefits
- Win $50,000: 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
Competition Stages
Competition Stages
The competition consists of five stages starting with the online application.
Successful applicants will then proceed to the following stages.
- Stage 1: Online application
- Stage 2: Selection of Top 20 semi finalists
- Stage 3: Virtual semi-finals (Top 20 applicants)
- Stage 4: Selection of Top 5 finalists
- Stage 5: Final Demo Day in Accra
For More Information: