Congratulations to the MEST Training Program Class of 2020!

On August 22, 2019, the MEST team welcomed 54 innovators to the beautiful city of Accra, Ghana for the one-year MEST Training Program in communications, business, and technology. The MEST Training Program program provides rigorous entrepreneurial training and extensive hands-on project work, designed to ensure mastery of industry-proven methodologies for developing startups. This coursework is supplemented by a series of guest lectures, bringing in the experiences and insights of internationally-recognized executives and successful entrepreneurs and they achieved this all throughout the challenges that came forward in the COVID-19 pandemic.

These individuals were from all over Africa, representing 14 different countries, each with diverse backgrounds, professions, and skills, yet one thing bound them together; their common mission to tackle Africa’s problems with technology startups.

In a chat with MEST’s Marketing & Communication Associate, AnjolaOluwa Okunade, the Class of 2020 entrepreneurs recalled some of their favorite things about Ghana, shared their best moments from the MEST Training Program, and told us about their future plans.

Drum roll, please…

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the MEST Training Program Class of 2020!

Andrew Miracle, Nigeria

Now a MEST Graduate, Andrew is a Product Manager, with 7+ years experience in software development, He is the Founder of Tecmie, a Product Company, and Connect Nigeria’s Top100 SMEs in 2019. He is also an Open Source advocate and manages Wecode Africa, a community of developers committed to creating solutions to enable civic and social accountability in Africa, their community recently launched the Afrikathon Hackathon.

What is one thing you will take away from living in Ghana?

People are everything, they make up our roots, stories, moments, and experiences, every single person that goes through the path of your life is valuable.

Abdulhafeez Babatunde, Nigeria

Abdulhafeez prides himself on being the ‘Product Guy’; sitting at the sweet spot between technology, business, and design. He brings on decade-long experience in designing and building products across sectors like healthcare, hospitality management, and education within and outside Africa. Looking to disrupt the supply chain industry by serving as the Product lead for Boxconn by helping to reshape the narrative around logistics and storage on the African continent.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

MEST has helped shape me into becoming a better team player and learning the value of empathy especially when interacting with other people; from teammates to business partners and customers.

Allie Tsahey, Ghana

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Allie Tsahey will be going on to use her skills and learnings from MEST to start her career in UX Writing and Content Strategy, while building up her social enterprise Baddies in Tech, to help other young women launch successful tech careers. Previously, Allie was a Biologist working in Customer Implementation at a health-tech startup. Through her MEST experience, she has now become a professional Communicator and Content Marketer who is ready to take on the world!

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

One thing that has changed significantly about me is my growth as a communicator, both personally and professionally. I now have the cultural intelligence and empathy to communicate in a way that tailors my delivery to my audience, and ensures success every time… that is a superpower!

Alfred Nyambane, Kenya

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Alfred Nyambane will be starting an insurtech startup with two of his fellow graduates. Previously he worked in HFC Group where he offered Financial Digital services to the mass market. Before that, he was the COO of Finsal Savannah Ltd, a company he Co-founded in 2017. He’s motivated by many things but what motivates him most is when he has an opportunity to learn new things. He’s happy that MEST gave him a chance because his life will never be the same again.

Chisomaga Ukaegbu, Nigeria

As a recent graduate of MEST, Chisom and two of his colleagues will be going ahead to found a financial marketplace for SMEs to access business financing that meets their needs.

Prior to joining the MEST program, he briefly worked as a product marketing manager at Coreum Real Estate leading growth initiatives. Previously, he led the business development & marketing efforts at Newhomes.ng and also co-founded a startup focused on providing a platform for MSMEs to access new markets to sell both offline & online.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

Some of my favorite moments include movie nights with my apartment-mates, road-trips & nighttime bar-hopping with friends.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In the next five years, I will either be looking at raising further investment for business expansion or leading product teams in a global software company.

What is one thing that you will be taking away from living in Ghana is?

Mama Emilia’s Spicy Chicken (It wrecked my waistline, lol) but seriously, the people, nightlife, and peace of mind.

Delamazior Nyanyo, Ghana

Graduating from the MEST Training program, Delamazior Nyanyo will be starting a Fintech business growth company for small businesses with two fellow graduates. She is an Early Career Researcher (University of Oxford, University of Ghana), a member of Global Shapers Cape Coast and Developers In Vogue Ghana. Previously she was an IT Engineer with Sylprin limited and CTO and COO for her previous startup.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In the next five years, JidiTrust will be a household name and a million-dollar business growth company across West Africa. For myself in 5 years, I will be an expert in developing and scaling Sustainable FinTech solutions for economic development in Africa and be working on my Ph.D. also.

Derrick Mungai, Kenya

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Derrick will be working at Tendo as a developer.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

Doing Bet, Buy, Barter where Entrepreneurs-In-Training were challenged to turn a 20 cedi investment from MEST into more, by offering products and services at the Chale Wote Festival. It was so fun!

Emmanuel Asamoah, Ghana

As a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Emmanuel Asamoah will be launching his Logistics Tech startup with Three others from the cohort. After several failed startups, a dollar and a dream, he graduated with a Bsc. in Business Administration from the University of Ghana and jumped straight into the MEST program. He’s had a couple of stints with several multinational organizations such as the British High Commission, KPMG, and others. He however feels the Entrepreneurship world suits him best for the kind of impact he wants to make in the world.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

How I relate to people mainly. I’ve surprisingly become numb to certain things. My ability to understand different cultures and temperaments of this very diverse cohort has greatly improved my cooperation skills.

Fatou Doumbia, Côte d’Ivoire

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Fatou Doumbia will be starting a crowdsourcing startup with three other female graduates. Previously, she was a Registration Authority Auditor at Cryptoneo, where her work included the creation and management of digital certificates in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. She is also the Co-founder of a Tech Community, whose mission is to train and increase the performance of the African youth skills using OpenSource technology.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

The visit to tourist sites and the challenge of climbing the Aburi mountain; an excursion organized by EITs.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

Building a successful business, giving the opportunity to young Africans to improve their living conditions by giving them access to decent work and digital training in order to achieve the reduction of the digital divide in the world.

What was your first impression of MEST?

MEST is a whole universe with training that is intense, attractive, and rich in content; a warm atmosphere, and staff that’s always available to meet your needs.

A word to the training program faculty?

Thank you for your availability, your generosity in sharing your knowledge, and the support you have given us.

Frank Nana Addae, Ghana

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Frank Nana Addae will be starting a B2B E-commerce startup with three of his fellow graduates. Previously, he worked as an Analyst at Roberta Anan Capital Partners, where he was responsible for market and equity research. Whilst at the University, he founded and Co-foundered a couple of startups ranging from as an Edtech startup to E-commerce.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My favorite moment at MEST was during pitches. These are the times where our works are actually validated and where we get to know if our respective projects are viable.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

My approach to business and how I come up with ideas. Previously I used to create projects based on assumptions. But now my ideas are based on user-centered research. Also, my knowledge of tech has improved. I am able to build a fully functioning website.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In the next five years, our company will be among the leading B2B e-commerce businesses in Ghana and begin to establish a foot in other African countries. I see myself creating more value to over 20,000 customers we will have in our business.

Freda Mawia Mutune, Kenya

Freda Mawia Mutune, alias Fify is now a graduate of the Mest training program. She is a co-founder and tech-lead at Eleka, alongside three other MEST graduates, they are working on making customer onboarding simple and fun. She has been a software developer for the last four years and a fashion model. Fun fact about her is she is a left-footed footballer and the best goalkeeper at MEST!

What is one thing that you will be taking away from living in Ghana?

One thing I will take from Ghana is respect when addressing people…it has been my greatest lesson. And of course shea butter and black soap!

Gugulethu Kheswa, South Africa

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Programme, Gugulethu Kheswa will be delving into Proptech in Kenya with her team. With a background in Digital Marketing and Property Development, in South Africa’s affordable housing industry, she looks forward to innovating the property industry in Africa.

What is one thing that you will be taking away from living in Ghana?

My greatest takeaway from Ghana (besides the network of amazing friends and associates I have made) is my expanded worldview. Having lived and worked with people from all over Africa, I have learned so much about our cultural difference and similarities which makes me appreciate being African even more.

Helen Wairagu, Kenya

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Helen Wairagu will be starting an AgriTech startup in Kenya alongside two of her fellow graduates. Previously, she was an Entrepreneur-in-Training at MEST, where she gained skills on how to start and run a successful world-class tech startup. Before that, she was a digital content creator in Kenya.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

This has definitely been a year of growth and discovery of myself and my potential. I got to meet a version of myself that I thought I would meet say five years from now. I ]have discovered that I can do stuff that seemed scary to me initially like coding, design, and public speaking. But one thing that has really skyrocketed is my confidence — Thank you MEST for this opportunity.

Ibrahima Mounkoro, Mali

Ibrahima Mounkoro is a graduate of the MEST Training Program, he will be starting a logistics startup with four of his fellow graduates. Previously he was an Entrepreneur-in-Training at MEST learning Communication business and Technology with 56 other young people from 14 African countries to build a successful tech company. Before that, he was a product Lead of an IoT startup in Bamako, Mali.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My favorite moment at MEST was the market research on the field asking people about the way they are currently working because we could easily get our answers while they were talking.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In the next five years, my company will be one of the best logistics companies Africans will be proud of.

One word to the Training Program faculty?

To the training faculty, You’re the best.

IfeOluwa Oderinde, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Ifeoluwa Oderinde is starting a financial technology startup with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, he founded EasyAutoReg which aimed at simplifying the process of vehicle registration in Nigeria. Before that, he worked as a business consultant for Zivany Ideals and sales executive at CHI Limited in Lagos, Nigeria.

Jean Phillipe Bakala Boungou, Congo Brazaville

“I came to MEST to build an impact startup, today I’m building a tool that will help impact drivers to increase their impact.” When I first walked into the hallway of the MEST building, I said to myself, “This is the place where you are going to build your future and realize your dream.”

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My favorite moment for sure was the day I met and decided to work with my current cofounder, that day in itself is a story.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

My vision of Africa has considerably changed. I now realize that there are thousands of opportunities for business out there in each segment of life, however, I have learned enough to handle those opportunities, also, I believe in young Africans more than ever before.

Kingsley Nwose, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Kingsley Nwose will be starting a tech company that focuses on generating transactions/revenue for fintech startups, with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, he co-founded a digital micropayment startup for the unbanked and underbanked.

Kingsley also led a market implementation team to launch the Bayelsa state operation of a sports gaming startup in Nigeria. He holds a master’s degree in monetary economics and is an alum of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

Design thinking sprints. Intense but interesting.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

My approach to market research; I now appreciate the essence.

What was your first impression of MEST?

MEST was like a family from day one, it has not changed!

A word to the training program faculty?

Keep being awesome.

Lotanna Nwose, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Lotanna Nwose will be starting a startup focused on financial literacy with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, He worked as a Frontend developer and technical writer at some of the fastest-growing SAAS companies in the US like LogRocket and Pusher where he shared his web development journey from an African perspective with a world-class audience. Before that, he taught mathematics in a high school in Northern Nigeria and interned at Hotels.ng, the biggest hotel listing platform in West Africa.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My Favorite moment at MEST was the Chale Wote Festival that happened as soon as we got to Ghana last year. It was the first experience of street selling, and it demanded a lot of creativity and I think that was an ingenious way to start a program.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

In the past year, I think I have grown and I have also gotten to understand a lot of cultures and markets. I think the greatest thing MEST provides is the diversity of the cohort. I am a very social person and now I’m great friends with people from over 10 African Countries and will be building out great ideas out of these friendships after the MEST program.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In the next five years, JidiTrust would have become a fully digital Microfinance Bank and fully operational in both Ghana and Nigeria with at least 183,000 customers. I would also have started my own Micro Angel investment group called Founders Kickstarter for 3 funds.

A word to the training program faculty?

To the teaching fellows: Thank you, I had fun

Lucky Mark, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Lucky Mark will work alongside two of his fellow graduates in building a fintech startup. While at MEST, he functioned as a User Researcher, Product Designer, and Business Strategist alongside aspiring entrepreneurs with a strong interest in technology and entrepreneurship from across Africa to create tech solutions that solve Africa’s biggest problems.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

The past year birthed my awesome initiation into the startup ecosystem. There have been a lot of learnings and insights but most significantly, I’ve seen myself move from a basic product designer to an advanced product designer while also building solid and meaningful relationships.

Mary Abiodun, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Mary Abiodun will be starting a crowdsourcing startup with three other female graduates. Previously, she was a Software Developer at a software company in Lagos. She has helped in building and supporting startups and tech businesses. She’s organized a couple of events (tech events and youth empowerment events) and she is a tech instructor for kids, youths, and girls.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

Visiting interesting sites like the Tema Port

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

A lot. So many! But most significantly, it is developing cultural intelligence.

A word to the training program faculty?

Thanks for the sacrifice put in to make us the software entrepreneurs we are now. I’ve learned a lot from you all.

Michael Esio Oscar, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Michael Esio Oscar is set on taking the Kenyan Tea industry to the future with two of his rockstar fellow graduates. After one year of rigorous learning and research, majoring in product management, communication, UI/UX research, and exploring diverse sectors like digital marketing and floriculture, He is on his way to take Kenya’s global orthodox tea distribution online for transparent tea trade. During the MEST program, He also partook in partner initiatives engaged in problem-solving and ideation, one of such being the IFC open data challenge startup, where his team “Nhumu”, won the prize. Prior to MEST, He was the head of Operations for an IT company in Lagos, Nigeria, “Center4Tech”, where He led the Young Inventors summer camp and Unity User group, Lagos. He is currently a member of Africacomicade and Ambitious Africa network, where He hopes to support the development of African creatives through education, entrepreneurship, and exposure.

What is the summation of your experience at MEST?

It has become apparent that the development Africa seeks would only come from the development of Her people and collaboration across board between all stakeholders within and outside the country. “Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity isn’t”. MEST has been a place of adventure and discovery, where you realize that there is more to you if you would only push. To the faculty, fellows, Venture partners, and fellow EITS, there couldn’t have been better.

Michael Hammond, Ghana

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Michael Hammond will be starting a B2B E-Commerce startup with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was developing proof of concepts for Tech Startup Ideas. Before that, he was designing, building, and deploying business solutions for Telcos and Banks.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

Understanding Business Tools like the Value Proposition Canvas.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

Becoming the dominant Informal Retail supply network in Ghana.

Nimrod Kgosimore, Botswana

From the MEST Training Programme class of 2020, Nimrod Kgosimore is an energetic Motswana lad, first from his nation to be part of the program. Together with two of his fellow graduates, they will be founding an EventTech startup, Vendoor. Having worked as a software developer and running a tech startup of his own in Botswana, he sure brings not only tech skills to the table to offer.

What is one thing you will take away from living in Ghana?

My take away from Ghana is the life long friendships I’ve made, business partners from this opportunity, and a great network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Nodumo Fikile Magadlela, Zimbabwe

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Nodumo Fikile Magadlela will be starting a cloud-based M&E platform with three of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was an Associate at Driven Development where he worked on M&E data collection and analysis for development projects in South Africa. Before that, he co-founded iBoni Bike, a bike-sharing startup in Johannesburg, South Africa.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

Picking up basic Python skills for Data Science has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in my career and I discovered that I’m capable of learning anything given the time and the right environment.

Olanrewaju Adeoye, Nigeria

Being intrigued with technology her whole life, Olanrewaju Adeoye will be starting an AgriTech startup with two of her fellow graduates from the just-concluded MEST EIT program. Previously, she ran a Human Resources consultancy startup, Workarena where she provided HR services for SMEs in Nigeria. She is also a member of the Global Shapers Community, Lagos hub.

What is one thing that you’ll be taking away from living in Ghana?

Oh, chale! One thing that I will be taking away from Ghana is the culture of warmth, hospitality, calm, and the love for country that the people exude.

Philip Afflu, Ghana

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Philip Darlington Afflu will be starting an online food aggregator with four of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was the co-founder and CFO of RosefabricsGh, where he helped grow the startup from 200 customers to 8,000 active customers before joining MEST. Before that, he started and managed an investment fund.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

When Entrepreneurs-In-Training met to discuss ideas and create teams for Capstone- Capstones are milestones during the training program where the Entrepreneurs-In-Training present findings from research, and propose innovative tech solutions to their findings.

Primerose Ruvimbo Katena, Zimbabwe

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Primerose Katena will be starting a startup focused on eradicating coordinating inefficiencies in the event planning space with two of her fellow graduates. Previously, she worked as an IT intern at ZOL, an Internet Service Provider, and Vic Falls Rainbow Towers Hotel in Zimbabwe. Before that, she ran an on-campus food delivery business with her team.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My favorite moment at MEST was my Capstone One pitch day. This was my first time delivering an investor pitch and it was fulfilling to deliver the pitch for my team successfully.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

In the past year, I have become more outspoken, a better leader, and learned to poke holes in ideas as soon as I hear them.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

I see Vendoor transforming how events are planned and executed. With 80% of events in Ghana and Nigeria planned through the Vendoor Playbook.

A word to the training program faculty?

We will miss you!

Rosemarlines Effiong, Nigeria

Rosemarlines Effiong is an excellent Product Marketer, Brand Manager, and Co-founder of mamadada.africa, an online community for first-time parents. For over four years, she has delivered products and brands to the hearts of paying customers through creative storytelling.

Having successfully completed the MEST training Program, Rosemarlines is looking forward to running an E-Commerce startup in Nigeria, her home country. Prior to MEST, she led the Marketing team of a US-based health and wellness company.

When not on Twitter, she spends her time reviewing social media marketing strategies of African Brands. She’s at her happiest when she is in a karaoke bar.

Where do you see yourself and my company in the next five years?

We hope to have exited, and in five years, I want to be working at having more African women and girls in technology.

Sally Musanga, Kenya

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program Musanga Sally Kabole will be starting a Proptech startup with three of her fellow graduates. Previously, she was the Software Developer in Nairobi, Kenya, where she used engineering principles and programming languages to build software products.

At the top of my career goals is to stay on top of industry shifts and competitor activity.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

In five years I see myself as a Product Manager that delivers a quality experience to users. with Movein being a unicorn.

Stephen Pessenbacher, South Africa

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Stephen Pessenbacher has shifted his career path from being a litigation, corporate and commercial lawyer; to venturing into legal-technology consultancy. Previously, he was a practicing lawyer, where he attended to corporate, commercial, and litigation matters at a prominent law firm in South Africa. Before that, he managed a legal department for a multinational oil and gas, as well as a logistics company.

A word to the training program faculty?

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been part of this prestigious program. Not only have I acquired new skills, met with amazing people from more than 14 countries in Africa, it has also opened a world of opportunities for me. With this being said, MEST did not only train me to be a well-rounded prospective entrepreneur, but it has shaped me to be a future tech leader.

Thato Rammoko, Lesotho

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Thato Rammoko will be starting a Proptech startup with three of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was co-founder and managing director of Technify where he provided digital solutions and training for SMEs. Before that, he ventured into a number of startups in food delivery, event ticketing, and mobile payments in Maseru, Lesotho. His entrepreneurial journey, however, started in music, he is a former recording hip hop artist, his stage name is Trer, pronounced “Trey ‘’ short for Thato Rankhasa Edwin Rammoko. Rammoko is a Mandela Washington alumni and he believes creativity, productivity, and leadership are key in solving world problems.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

The Beg Buy Barter Challenge, where Entrepreneurs-In-Training were challenged to turn a 20 cedi investment from MEST into more, by offering products and services at the Chale Wote Festival. My team and I made money by charging people to play a seemingly simple game but hard to crack.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

I’m no longer just a Mosotho, I am Ghanaian, my Ghanaian name is Kojo, well it’s actually Kwabena (I was born on a Tuesday) but I like Kojo better so I’m sticking with Kojo, I’m also Kenyan, #Nohuman is limited. I’ve eaten Eba and okro soup so I’m part Nigerian, and part Ivorian too; I love atteke, definitely Cameroonian now been staying with one for 12 months, In short, I am becoming fully African.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next five years?

Fastest growing Proptech startup in East Africa.

A word to the training program faculty?

I learned more from observing you than what you taught me in class, I am inspired by all of you I can get learning content online but I can never meet copies of you anywhere in the world and I am sure the past faculty was dope but I am glad it was Dayo, Funke, Felix, Prince, Femi and Kathrin that I got to spend 12 months with, I enjoyed all the classes when they were not remote, they didn’t feel like Youtube tutorials. Special S/O to Felix of course my mentor, taught me to pay attention to details and appreciate UI/UX.

Uche Orjinta, Nigeria

Uche Orjinta is a graduate of the MEST Training Program, she will be starting a FinTech startup with two of her colleagues.

While at MEST she improved on her business development, project management & communication skills and participated in design sprints; in which her team was privileged to pitch their ‘smart water kit’ solution to AHK at the 7th West African Clean Energy and Environment trade fair and conference.

Before that, she ran a content creation & idea development startup in Nigeria.

What is one thing you will be taking away from living in Ghana?

My key takeaway from this experience is about puzzle-pieces and finding the right piece; even though in Africa we don’t have the luxury of the abundance of opportunities; there’s always a puzzle piece for you in every opportunity.

Ulric Chekap Wenego, Cameroon

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Ulric Chekap Wenego will be starting a B2B E-commerce startup with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was the sales manager at DIAGEO Guinness Cameroon SA, where he was ensuring the availability and accessibility of premium alcoholic brands everywhere in his area by dealing with distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Before that, he worked as a relationship manager at Financial House SA.

What was your favorite moment at MEST?

My favorite moment at MEST was when I met my two co-founders and discovered that we shared the same vision.

Usheninte Dangana, Nigeria

Usheninte Dangana, a recent graduate of MEST, is the Technical Cofounder of the startup JidiTrust — a platform built to help small businesses in Africa grow. Prior to this, he worked within the Financial Services and Creative industries in Nigeria. He is highly motivated toward building innovative digital experiences for profitable enterprises. He is a digital poet, seeking out the rhythm in technology.

What has changed significantly about yourself in the past year?

My capacity for consuming and working on feedback has improved noticeably. Being more conscious of the nature of my learning curve, I now approach technology studies with a more balanced and realistic outlook. I also find that I have become significantly self-aware.

Vivian Egwu, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST training Program, Vivian Egwu will be starting an E-commerce startup with three of her fellow graduates. Previously, she worked with a Fintech organization as a front-end developer. Before that, she helped her mum run her local shop in Lagos, Nigeria. Her drive is to help solve some of the problems faced by local retailers in Nigeria.

What is the summation of your experience at MEST?

For me, every moment at MEST was a favorite moment. I have tremendously improved in my understanding of running a business over this one year. In the next five years, I hope to be the product lead of a company that is empowering local African businesses to make better decisions and grow their businesses. One thing I will definitely take from living in Ghana is its serene environment. At first, I thought that MEST was an MBA school taught by thought leaders from across the globe, however, MEST turned out to be a family. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the training program faculty for the knowledge gained and I hope the relationship I have built with everyone does not end at MEST.

Yusuf Olalere, Nigeria

Now a graduate of the MEST Training Program, Yusuf Olalere will be starting a FinTech startup with two of his fellow graduates. Previously, he was on the software development team at Techspecialist Consulting Limited Abuja, where he helped design and build enterprise procurement software. Before that, he did UI/UX design and frontend development for a digital agency in Lagos, Nigeria.

What is one thing you will be taking away from living in Ghana?

One thing I’ll be taking away from Ghana is the importance of cooperation between people of diverse backgrounds and orientations.