Cape Verde's MEST Africa program launches application process for 2025: $50,000 in equity awards and finale event in Cape Town
The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, offering early-stage tech startups in Africa an opportunity to secure equity funding, strategic networks, and a chance to join a community of successful entrepreneurs.
Powered by Absa, the competition is more than just a competition. It serves as a fast-track into a network of potential resources for African startups, providing a platform for founders to connect with investors, experts, and fellow entrepreneurs.
The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is open to startups from various African cities, including Accra, Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town. Participating in the challenge offers African founders an opportunity to overcome the challenges of finding the right networks and mentors.
The competition focuses on startups that offer scalable solutions, with an added emphasis on businesses related to financial services and technology-driven innovation due to the Absa partnership. Last year's winner, SAYeTECH from Ghana, showcased agri-machinery solutions that impressed the judges.
The application link for the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is available at meltwater.org/mac/. Applications close on 26th September 2025.
The top 20 startups will be announced on 10th October 2025. Finalists will then pitch in front of investors, corporate executives, and the media during the finals week in Cape Town, which will take place during the week of 24th November 2025.
The winner of the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 will receive $50,000 in equity funding and will join a network of over 2,000 entrepreneurs and 90 portfolio companies.
For more information and updates about the MEST Africa Challenge 2025, interested startups can follow MEST Africa on their social channels. The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 continues to be one of the most respected launchpads for startups on the African continent.
