Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, MEST Africa, in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, has announced the launch of the 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge, MAC. This year’s challenge seeks to identify and support outstanding AgriTech entrepreneurs tackling critical agricultural challenges in West Africa.
In the fast-paced world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs have bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to realize their ideas. MAC 2024 is here to bridge this gap, offering start-ups the opportunity to find their footing by providing critical support, funding and mentoring.
Find Your Soil is a call to action for AgriTech 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, exposure and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa.
MEST Africa is committed to fostering job creation and economic growth across the continent through software entrepreneurship. By offering specialized technology business training and investment opportunities, the organization empowers Africa’s brightest minds to build and scale impactful businesses.
MEST Africa Challenge 2024, with a focus on the AgriTech sector, is open to startups from key West African markets such as Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali and Togo. The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentoring and investment opportunities to accelerate its growth and global presence.
Since its inception, MEST has invested over $30 million in training over 2,000 entrepreneurs and supported the launch of 90 early-stage technology startups in sectors such as AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media and Healthcare. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for AgriTech entrepreneurs to find their footing and take their businesses to the next level.
Founded in 2008, the Meltwater Foundation is the not-for-profit arm of the global media intelligence company, Meltwater. With a clear mission to promote employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship, the Foundation is based in Accra, Ghana. The flagship program, MEST, offers 1 year of specialized technology business training to top talent from over 22 countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal. and invests in startups from an early stage of development.
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