The MEST Africa Challenge 2025, hosted by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) in partnership with Absa, is now open for applications.
This year’s competition is focused exclusively on early-stage FinTech startups revolutionising how money is managed, transferred, saved, or insured across Africa.
What’s at stake?
Winning startups will receive:
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US $50,000 in equity funding
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Incubation support
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Access to MEST’s startup ecosystem
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Professional coaching and mentorship
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Opportunities for pilot programs with strategic partners
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Regional exposure and networking
Who Can Apply
Startups must meet the following criteria:
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Be FinTech ventures based anywhere in Africa
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Be early-stage with seed traction, annual recurring revenue, or a validated proof of concept
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Have a registered business and a minimum of two co-founders
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Be comfortable pitching in English
How to Apply
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Prepare a pitch deck and a 1–3 minute video pitch (in English)
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Submit your application through the MEST portal
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Shortlisted startups will compete in virtual regional rounds
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Finalists will pitch live at the grand finale in Accra or another designated hub
Deadline
September 26, 2025
The MEST Africa Challenge 2025, organized by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) in collaboration with Absa, is open for applications focusing on early-stage FinTech startups in Africa. These startups should be pioneering new ways to manage, transfer, save, or insure money. Winners will receive US $50,000 in equity funding, along with benefits like incubation support, access to MEST’s startup ecosystem, professional coaching, pilot program opportunities, and regional networking exposure.
Eligible applicants must be FinTech ventures based in Africa, at an early stage with seed traction or proof of concept, have a registered business with at least two co-founders, and be comfortable pitching in English. Applicants are required to prepare a pitch deck and a 1–3 minute video pitch (in English) and submit their application through the MEST portal. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to virtual regional rounds, with finalists pitching live at the grand finale in Accra or another selected hub. The application deadline is set for September 26, 2025.
