2023 MEST Africa Challenge

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)

• 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 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

The Regional Finals will be virtual and location specific. A link for this session will be shared in advance to all Regional Finalists.

Each pitch will last for 5 minutes with 5 minutes Q&A. Startups must include a live demo of their product during pitches.

Regional Finalists will be announced a few days after their pitch and the overall challenge winner will be announced at the end of the Final Demo Day in December.

All pitches and Q&A will be made in English.

Hybrid. Regional Finals will be virtual and the final demo day will be in Accra, Ghana.

Yes.

Regional Finalists will be fully sponsored with travel to and from Accra, housing, and transport for the final pitch day in December 2023. Regional finalists should plan to arrive in Accra a few days before.

3-4 days. Plan to arrive in Accra 2 days before the final competition and depart the day after.

Pitch readiness sessions will only be organized for Regional Finalists preparing for the final Demo Day.

You’re eligible to apply if your company operates in one or more of the 5 countries where we will hold the Regional Finals (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya).

$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 main winner and Regional Finalists.