Announcing the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge regional finalists: A showcase of African innovation

MEST Africa, a leading pan-African software and entrepreneurship training program, seed fund, and incubator, has selected 45 standout technology startups to advance to the regional finals of the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge (MAC). Hailing from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, these startups have been recognized for their potential to shape the future of technology on the continent. The grand prize at stake is a coveted USD 50,000 in equity investment, along with the prospect of a long-term partnership and ongoing support from MEST Africa.

MAC sets the stage for early stage startups to display their innovative solutions and tech-driven ventures. With a comprehensive selection process that rigorously evaluates each entry, the competition attracts the continent’s most promising tech entrepreneurs. The startups moving forward embody a wide array of sectors — from Agritech to Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare — showcasing the rich tapestry of African innovation.

These regional finalists were chosen for their exceptional use of technology to solve real and significant challenges within Africa’s vibrant markets. They have introduced solutions ranging from AI-driven efficiencies in agriculture to financial technology that expands access to economic resources for marginalized populations. These finalists are a testament to the ingenuity emerging from Africa’s tech ecosystems and set the stage for a compelling Regional Pitch Competition.

List of Finalists

Kenya

Ghana

Senegal

Nigeria

South Africa

Startup	Sector
Koa Academy	Edtech
ESusFarm Africa	Agritech
BOS Technology Pty Ltd T/A BOS.Pay™	FinTech
Insaaph Capital	Fintech
Smart Food Growing Technologies (SF Tec)	Manufacturing
DeepLeaf	Agritech
Thola	Agriculture
Aurora Media Group	Media Technology
Safe Africa	Emergency response services
Biocertica	MedTech / BioTech

As the competition advances, these startups will compete to demonstrate their potential impact to a panel of judges. The aim is not only to secure a place in the final pitch but also to gain visibility, connect with investors, and potentially receive funding to scale their impact.

Stay tuned for the Regional Pitch Competition, where innovation meets opportunity, as we spotlight the talents shaping Africa’s technological future.

For more information and updates on the MEST Africa Challenge, visit https://meltwater.org/mac/.

About MEST Africa

MEST is an African-wide software and entrepreneurship training program, seed fund, and incubator helping to launch technology startups across the continent. Founded in Ghana in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Jorn Lyseggen, MEST is a 12-month program that provides critical skills training in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s burgeoning tech talent. MEST provides seed funding for the best ideas coming out of the program and continues to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.
To date, MEST has trained over 2000 entrepreneurs from across the continent and funded over 80 startups across industries from Agritech, Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare amongst others. MEST is fully funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Norwegian company Meltwater; a global leader in social and media intelligence headquartered in San Francisco.

Visit www.meltwater.org to learn more.