The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa, in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy, has officially opened applications for the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge (MAC). This sixth edition of the competition is set to spotlight and empower innovative AgriTech startups across West Africa, providing them with the critical resources needed to tackle key agricultural challenges and scale their businesses globally.
With a theme centered on “Find Your Soil,” this year’s challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a strategic initiative to foster the ideal environment where visionary AgriTech entrepreneurs can thrive. MEST Africa is dedicated to supporting these innovators by offering mentorship, funding, and access to a robust global network, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed.
Startups from key West African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, are invited to apply. The challenge is open to early-stage technology startups that meet specific criteria: a minimum of $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue, a cumulative funding range of $0 to $1 million, and a founding team with at least two members. Companies that have been in existence for three years or less and are preferably registered in Delaware will be given priority.
The winning startup will not only receive $50,000 in equity funding but will also gain access to MEST’s expansive network, which opens doors to valuable partnerships, mentorship, and further investment opportunities. This funding and support are designed to help AgriTech startups accelerate their growth and expand their global footprint.
Since its inception, MEST Africa has been a catalyst for job creation and economic growth across the continent, investing over $30 million into the training of more than 2,000 entrepreneurs. The organization has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups, spanning sectors such as AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare.
Commenting on the challenge, Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “‘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, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive.”
For AgriTech entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level, the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 presents an unparalleled opportunity. Interested participants are encouraged to apply and learn more about the challenge by visiting MEST Africa’s website.