The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a leading Pan-African pitch competition designed for early-stage technology startups ready to scale. The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is led by MEST Africa and powered by Absa. MAC offers a powerful platform to access equity funding, build strategic networks, and gain global visibility.
About MEST Africa Challenge 2025
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Opportunity Details
Finalists pitch live to an audience of top investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, with standout benefits including the chance to win $50,000 in equity, gain entry into the prestigious MEST Portfolio, pilot commercial solutions with Absa business units, and unlock exclusive partner prizes. The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is led by MEST Africa and powered by Absa.
- Sponsor Organisation: Mest
Benefits of MEST Africa Challenge 2025
- $50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Portfolio resources and prizes from this year’s partners
- Finalists will be fully sponsored with travel to and from Cape Town including, housing, and transport for the final pitch day in November 2025.
MEST Africa Challenge 2025 Requirements
- Must be an early-stage technology startup
- Must be a fintech, insuretech or operating in similar value chains
- Must offer at least one of the following solutions – Digital payments, Financial inclusion, Insurance innovation and or value chain financing
- Must be operating in at least one of the following key markets: Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Ghana.
- 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)
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
26 September, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
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MEST Africa Challenge 2025
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