The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) recently opened applications for the 7th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC 2025).
The challenge is a pan-African pitch competition that equips high-potential startups with funding and hands-on support.
This year’s edition is dedicated exclusively to FinTech startups, spotlighting founders who are reimagining how money is moved, managed, and insured across the continent.
Applications started running from July 30th to September 26th, 2025, after which 20 semi-finalists and 10 grand-finalists will be selected. The overall winner will secure a US $50,000 equity investment and the opportunity to pilot with strategic partners at scale.
With US $30 million invested in more than 90 startups and 2,000 entrepreneurs to date, MEST is one of Africa’s most active early-stage tech investors. The 2025 edition of MAC deepens that impact through a strategic partnership with Absa that aligns the competition with the bank’s digital-finance priorities.
The collaboration between Absa and MEST aims to accelerate innovation by connecting FinTech startups with the resources and expertise needed to scale solutions that drive inclusive growth across Africa.
Who should apply for the Challenge?
MAC 2025 invites early-stage startups in FinTech and other high-value, value-chain solutions that are already active in at least one of Absa’s priority markets — countries including Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Ghana.
To qualify, a company must be three years old or younger, show minimum monthly recurring revenue of US $5,000, and have raised no more than US $1 million to date.
Each venture should have at least two co-founders, be able to pitch in English, and—while not mandatory—Delaware registration is considered an advantage.
How to apply for MEST Africa Challenge 2025
Founders can submit a short online application, including a three-minute video pitch, HERE.
Virtual semi-finals will take place in late October, and the top ten teams will present live in Cape Town at the Grand Finale in late November.
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