MEST Training Program – Class of 2024

Get access to world-class education.

Applications are open for the MEST Training Program, Class of 2024! Get access to world-class education in Software development, Business and Communication skills from MEST Africa’s 12-month Training Program.

MEST has confirmed to start the new cohort for its core Training Program in August 2023. Applications open 12th December 2022 and close 26th February 2023. Apply now to be a part of the next class of innovative technology entrepreneurs!

Apply ahead of the deadline to get faster updates and feedback on your application status!

About the MEST Training Program

MEST offers a 12-month graduate-level training to aspiring entrepreneurs across the African continent.

The entrepreneurial training program in business, communications and software development includes extensive hands-on project work, culminating in a final pitch and the chance to receive seed investment and grow businesses.

The successful world-class training program is run with the help of an internationally recognized faculty. Our teaching fellows hail from some of the best universities around the world. We also offer our entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) the opportunity to be mentored by real-life Entrepreneurs, CEOs and other executives from all over the world. Guest lecturers have been executives of Uber, Facebook, Safaricom, Samsung, Interswitch, and many more.

Since its inception in 2008, MEST has invested over $25m in training 1000+ individual entrepreneurs and funded 80+ software companies across Africa. MEST entrepreneurs have developed solutions addressing local, regional and global markets, received follow-on funding from global investors, and gotten into top accelerator programs such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups and TechStars.

Important Dates

Applications close: 26th February 2023
Program starts: August 2023

Curriculum Sample

Core Programming Languages
Web and Mobile Development
UI/UX
Forming Culture Driven Teams
Business and Revenue Modeling
Branding and Communications
Market Research
Product Development and Innovation
Marketing and Growth Hacking
Financial Management and Investments
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Metrics and Measurements
Sales and Traction
Preparing for investments

Candidate Profile

A degree from a top university or Technical College or equivalent experience with at least two (2) years corporate and startup experience (preferred)
Deep skills in either communications, business or software development (from the onset or acquired during the Pre-Learning stage)
Young persons passionate about tech and entrepreneurship, and how to use technology to achieve business results
Should be ready to commit to a full residential program for a whole year
Disciplined, motivated self-starter who can work and deliver on assignments and projects – demonstrate this by completing the required Pre-Learning courses and MEST’s rigorous recruitment process
An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to start a company
Ability to communicate candidly and persuasively
Ability to work well in teams, proven academic or professional excellence
Demonstrated leadership abilities
Confident and independent thinking
Excellent people skills

How to apply

Complete these pre-learning courses:

Note: On completion of your first course on the IBM Digital Nation Africa portal, you will be guided to create an account on youracclaim.com. Once this is done, your badge will be automatically posted on to Acclaim. You can grab your profile link by clicking on the profile icon and selecting ‘view profile’.

Kindly note that you are required to finish these courses, submit your profile link and upload your certificate by the application deadline.

Take an Aptitude Test

You are required to take the Aptitude Test as your score will be requested when filling your application form and will determine your move to the next stage. Please follow this link to take the test.

Complete the MEST Training Program Application Form

Please press apply to sign up to complete the application form