As MEST continues to deepen her influence on Africa’s tech landscape, the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) remains Africa’s premier pitch competition for Africa’s emerging tech entrepreneurs, bringing together relevant stakeholders all across the continent and globe to learn more about the happenings on the tech scene.

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 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

Timeline

• Applications open on 26th August 2024
• Applications close on 4th October 2024
• Top 20 Participants chosen on 14th October 2024
• Virtual semi finals on 29th October 2024 and 30th October 2024
• In-person finals date TBA

Does this sound interesting to you? If so start your application here! All the best!