MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024: Empowering Africa’s Emerging Agri-Tech Entrepreneurs

As MEST continues to deepen its influence on Africa’s tech landscape, the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) stands as the premier pitch competition for Africa’s emerging tech entrepreneurs. This annual competition brings together innovators, investors, and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, providing a platform to showcase Africa’s growing tech ecosystem. In its 6th edition this year, MAC will offer participants a chance to secure investment, coaching, and access to a global network of resources as they build businesses that add value to African economies and livelihoods.

Focus on West Africa and Agri-Tech

This year’s MAC competition is focused on West Africa, with participants from key markets including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. For the first time, the competition will emphasize Agri-Tech, recognizing its potential to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: October 4, 2024
• Organized by: MEST Africa
• Sectors: Agri-Tech
• Target Countries: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge, startups must meet the following criteria:

• Be an early-stage Agri-Tech startup with at least 6 months of recurring revenue.
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5,000.
• Funding raised: $0 to $1 million cumulative.
• Years in existence: 3 years or less.
• Have at least 2 founding team members.
• Operate in one of the 14 MAC countries.
• Preference for businesses registered in Delaware.
• Open to all business models (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G).
• All participants must pitch in English.

Competition Timeline

• Applications Close: October 4, 2024
• Top 20 Participants Announced: October 14, 2024
• Virtual Semi-Finals: October 29-30, 2024
• In-Person Finals: December 2024 (Accra, Ghana)

Grand Prize

The MAC 2024 winner will receive:

• $50,000 in equity investment.
• Access to MEST portfolio resources and strategic partnerships.
• One year of professional business coaching.
• Additional benefits and prizes for the overall winner.

FAQs

• Pitch Readiness: Sessions will be organized for finalists.
• Final Demo Day: The final competition will take place in Accra, Ghana. Finalists will be fully sponsored for travel, accommodation, and transport.
• Pitch Format: 5-minute pitches with a 5-minute Q&A session. Startups can include a live product demo.
• Video Pitch Guidelines: Maximum 3-minute video pitches are required for applications. Applicants must appear on camera and ensure clear visibility and audibility.

To learn more and apply, visit the official MEST Africa Challenge website.

The MEST Africa Challenge 2024 is a unique opportunity for Agri-Tech startups to gain exposure, secure funding, and contribute to Africa’s tech-driven future. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—apply now!