MEST Africa
3 min readOct 2, 2024

MEST Africa Challenge 2024: $50,000 Startup Funding Opportunity for Africa’s Top AgriTech Startups

The deadline is fast approaching for applications to the MEST Africa Challenge 2024, where one winning startup will secure $50,000 in equity funding.

The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), a flagship initiative by MEST Africa (a leading Africa-wide entrepreneurial training program, seed fund, and Portfolio of Companies), has established itself as Africa’s premier pitch competition for emerging tech entrepreneurs. Now in its 6th edition, MAC continues to deepen its influence on Africa’s tech landscape by connecting relevant stakeholders across the continent and beyond to explore the latest innovations in the tech ecosystem.

Africa’s startup ecosystem has seen remarkable growth, with over $11.5 billion in equity investments between 2019 and 2023. This financial surge highlights the continent’s increasing appeal to investors, positioning Africa as a significant player in the global startup landscape This surge in investment makes it the perfect time for West African startups to seize transformative opportunities like the MEST Africa Challenge.

The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024 invites AgriTech businesses and startups to step into the spotlight and compete for a unique opportunity to secure funding, mentorship, and global exposure. As Africa’s premier pitch competition for emerging tech entrepreneurs, MAC is returning for its 6th edition with a special focus on West Africa and the AgriTech sector.

Entrepreneurs from Benin to Nigeria, Côte D’Ivoire to Ghana, and across all 14 key markets in West Africa that we are focusing on, including Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo - leveraging technology to reduce post-harvest losses, food inflation, increase food security, and building other bold agricultural solutions across Africa, are encouraged to apply and demonstrate how their innovations can drive change and impact in the agricultural sector.

Why AgriTech Startups Should Apply

  • This year’s challenge is putting a spotlight on AgriTech startups that are leveraging technology to address pressing issues in Agriculture.
  • The MEST Africa Challenge offers the perfect platform for AgriTech startups to secure funding, connect with industry experts, and build partnerships with potential collaborators. This is a unique opportunity for startups to showcase their solutions and gain the support needed to scale.
  • Participating in the MEST Africa Challenge not only provides startups with the chance to secure funding but also offers valuable visibility and the opportunity to network with stakeholders in Africa’s tech startup ecosystem.
  • Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is expanding rapidly, with startup funding and business pitch competitions fueling the growth of innovative ideas. As a result, the demand for strategic funding options has become increasingly important to support this evolution.

How to Apply

If you are an AgriTech entrepreneur, now is your chance to compete in one of Africa’s top startup competitions. The MEST Africa Challenge offers a unique opportunity to secure investment, mentorship, and global exposure, positioning your startup as a key player in Africa’s tech ecosystem. With this year’s focus on the AgriTech sector, it’s the perfect time to apply and showcase your innovation.

Submit your application here and join a community of innovative entrepreneurs shaping the future of Africa!

MEST Africa
MEST Africa

Written by MEST Africa

The largest Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for startups: www.meltwater.org