Applications open for MEST Africa Challenge for Entrepreneurs

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.

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

Cost Covered 

• Finalists will be fully sponsored with travel to and from Accra, housing, and transport for the final pitch day in December 2024. Please plan to arrive in Accra a few days before.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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

For more information, visit MEST.