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The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, has launched the 6th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) to identify and support exceptional AgriTech entrepreneurs who are addressing critical agricultural challenges in West Africa.
The MEST Africa Challenge 2024, centered on the AgriTech sector, is open to startups from key West African markets, including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo.
MAC 2024 is offering startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship and while many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence.
“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa.
Since its inception, MEST has invested over $30 million into training more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across sectors including AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare.
Eligibility Criteria for MEST Africa Challenge 2024:
● Early-stage technology startup
● Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
● Funding raised: $0 to $1M cumulative
● 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)
● Any industry
● Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…)
● All participants must pitch in English
Interested AgriTech entrepreneurs can learn more and apply here.