2023 MEST Africa Challenge Program For Entrepreneurs
The MEST Africa Challenge Program gives entrepreneurs a platform to showcase and build on their unique value in an era where African startups and innovations are taking center stage and gaining global recognition and investments.
The challenge provides a stage for technology start-ups to raise funding, build industry networks and gain international visibility that would serve them well in growing and expanding their businesses.
Summary
- Host: MEST Africa
- Category: Competitions
- Eligible Countries: 5 African Countries
- Reward: $50,000
Details:
This year, we are thrilled to bring even more excitement to early-stage entrepreneurs with startups based in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa. As part of this prestigious competition, tech founders stand a chance to win the coveted USD 50,000 in equity, gain global recognition, and become part of MEST Africa’s lifelong supportive community.
Requirements:
Your business must be an early-stage technology startup based in at least one of the 5 countries where we will hold the Regional Finals (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya) with the following characteristics:
- Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
- Funding raised: Cumulative $1M or less
- Years in existence: 3 years and below
- Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
- Founding team: At least 2 founding team members
- Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
Duration and Reward
- USD 50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Portfolio resources and strategic partnerships, 1-year professional business coaching in addition to other benefits and prizes for the main winner and Regional Finalists.
Method of Selection
- Complete an online application
- Submit a pitch deck and a 3mins Video pitch
- Selection of the top 10 finalists from each country
- Virtual Regional Finals competition held for each country
- Selection of top 5 startups (1 from each country)
- The top 5 compete at the grand finale and Demo Day
The Pitch guidelines:
- The video duration should be a maximum of 3 minutes and can be taken with a mobile phone
- The applicant must appear on camera for the pitch. This means that animated videos, videos with text and a voiceover, etc. cannot be used as the pitch.
- Applicants will not be scored on video quality, as the focus will be on the pitch itself, however, the applicant must ensure s/he is visible and audible.
- The pitch must be made in English
