MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 | $50,000 Equity Funding for Early-Stage African Startups

MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025: Overview

The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, powered by MEST Africa and Absa, is a premier Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups. The program provides founders with the chance to access equity funding, strategic partnerships, global visibility, and entry into the prestigious MEST Portfolio.

Finalists will pitch live to top investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, competing for $50,000 in equity funding, pilot opportunities with Absa business units, and exclusive partner prizes.

• Application deadline: 26 September 2025

• Finals location: Cape Town, South Africa

• Program dates: 4 August – 28 November 2025

Eligibility

Startups must meet the following criteria:

• Sector focus: Fintech, Insurtech, SaaS, and related value chains.

• In operation for less than 3 years.

• Generate $5,000+ Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) with at least 6 months of traction.

• Raised $1 million or less in cumulative funding.

• Operate in at least one of the target markets: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia.

• Have a minimum of two co-founders/team members.

• Must be able to pitch in English.

• Registered as a Delaware C-Corp or neutral jurisdiction (preferred, not mandatory).

Benefits

• $50,000 equity investment for the winning startup.

• Entry into the MEST Portfolio for continued support and mentorship.

• Pilot commercial solutions with Absa business units.

• Gain access to exclusive partner prizes.

• Build strong networks with investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders.

• Increased global visibility and credibility.

Program Components

• Virtual semi-finals with the top 20 startups.

• In-person finals in Cape Town, South Africa.

• Exposure to mentorship, investor connections, and strategic partners.

• Opportunities to scale solutions across multiple African markets.

Application Requirements

• Complete the online application via the MEST Africa Challenge website.

• Provide business information, traction proof, and funding details.

• Demonstrate clear scalability and market fit.

Selection Criteria

• Strong business model with scalable potential.

• Proven product-market fit with recurring revenue.

• Innovative use of technology in Fintech, Insurtech, or SaaS solutions.

• Commitment and capability of the founding team.

• Potential for impact across African markets.

Application Process & Timeline

• Applications Open: 4 August 2025

• Applications Close: 26 September 2025

• Top 20 Startups Announced: 10 October 2025

• Virtual Semi-Finals: Week of 27 October 2025

• In-Person Finals (Cape Town, South Africa): Week of 24 November 2025

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 | $50,000 Equity Funding for Early-Stage African Startups