MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups

Early-stage Agritech startups that are operating in one of the 14 MAC countries are invited to apply for the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups worth up to $50,000 in equity. (MAC) is a Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups seeking to ramp up traction and growth.

The MEST Africa Challenge 2024 will mark the 6th edition of MAC. MEST will provide the winning startup with investment capital worth up to $50,000 in equity, 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.

Program Summary:

Program Sponsor(s): MEST Africa Challenge (MAC)

Program Locations(s): Not Stated

Program Worth: $50,000 in equity & More

Number of Slots: Several

Basic Qualifications: Early-stage Agritech startups

Nationality: 14 MAC countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo)

Eligibility for the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups:

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

Program 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:

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

Method of Application for the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups:

Interested and eligible applicants for the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups should click here to start the application.

Application Deadline: October 4, 2024.

For more information about this opportunity, Visit the Official Website.

MEST Africa Challenge 2024 for Early-Stage Technology Startups