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Home Competition

Applications Open for 7th MEST Africa Challenge

Tech Gist Africa by Tech Gist Africa
08/19/2025
in Competition, Opportunities, The Big 5, Videos
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MEST Africa Challenge 2025

MEST Africa Challenge 2025

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The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 is now accepting applications from early-stage tech startups across Africa. Organized by MEST Africa and powered by Absa, this premier Pan-African pitch competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure up to $50,000 in equity funding, gain entry into the prestigious

MEST Portfolio, and access commercial pilot opportunities with Absa business units.

This year’s challenge emphasizes fintech and value chain innovations, including:

  • Smart credit and alternative lending
  • Fraud detection and trust technology
  • Personalized financial operating systems
  • Offline-friendly payment rails
  • Next-gen wallets and micro-insurtech
  • Investment gateways and cross-border solutions
  • Financial literacy tools and omnichannel customer experiences
  • Trade and cross-border boosters
  • Product-landing platforms and value-add service layers
  • Integration orchestrators
  • Micro and on-demand insurtech
Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, startups must:

  • Operate in at least one of the following countries: Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, Ghana
  • Have a minimum monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $5,000 for at least six months
  • Have raised $1 million or less in cumulative funding
  • Be in operation for less than three years
  • Be co-founded by at least two individuals
  • Be able to pitch in English
  • Preferably be registered as a Delaware C-corp or in a neutral jurisdiction (though not mandatory)
What’s at Stake
  • $50,000 in equity funding
  • Entry into the MEST Portfolio
  • Opportunity to pilot commercial solutions with Absa business units
  • Access to exclusive partner prizes and perks
  • Exposure to a network of investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders
Key Dates
  • Applications Open: August 4, 2025
  • Applications Close: September 26, 2025
  • Top 20 Participants Announced: October 10, 2025
  • Virtual Semi-Finals: Week of October 27, 2025
  • In-Person Finals in Cape Town: Week of November 24, 2025

Startups interested in applying can submit their applications through the official MEST Africa Challenge platform. The application process includes submitting a short online application and a three-minute video pitch. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of judges and investors during the in-person finals in Cape Town.

To apply or for more information, visit the website.

Read more on Tech Gist Africa: 

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 Ilorin Ignites Innovation: Hackathon 2025 to Empower Nigeria’s Brightest Tech Minds

REACH Middle East Accelerator Opens Applications to PropTech Startups

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Tech Gist Africa is a new media and technology news platform that focuses on the untold stories of innovative ideas closely connected to technology news from Africa.

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The Big 5

MEST Africa Challenge 2025

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