Three Kenyan Startups Among 20 Semi-Finalists in MEST Africa Challenge 2025
Three Kenyan startups, Logistify AI, Farmsky Ventures, and Investa Farm, have been named among the 20 semi-finalists in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025. The competition, now in its seventh edition, is organized by MEST Africa in partnership with Absa to spotlight emerging fintech and high-value chain solutions across the continent.
Running under the theme “You Build, We Scale,” the challenge encourages founders to create scalable financial solutions in Absa’s eight priority markets: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zambia.
The selected ventures address critical gaps in Africa’s financial ecosystem, focusing on areas like next-generation payments, smart credit systems, cross-border trade, agri-fintech, and financial literacy.
“Each of these founders represents a unique path toward reimagining how finance works for Africans,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa and MAC Lead. “Their ideas pair technology with empathy, proving that lasting change comes from solving real problems within their own communities.“
Absa, as the strategic partner for the 2025 edition, reiterated its commitment to fostering digital innovation.
“Congratulations to the top 20 finalists,” said Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations, Retail and Business Banking. “The quality of submissions has been exceptional, showcasing the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial drive across Africa… Our partnership with MEST reflects our commitment to open collaboration within the FinTech ecosystem.“
The three Kenyan semi-finalists are:
- Logistify AI: An AI-powered procurement and supply chain platform for SMEs.
- Farmsky Ventures: A digital lending and crop insurance platform for smallholder farmers.
- Investa Farm: An agri-fintech venture providing voucher-backed loans for climate-resilient inputs.
They are joined by 17 other ventures from seven countries:
- Botswana: mystock.africa
- Ghana: Brydge, Kutana Technologies Limited
- Mauritius: Black Swan
- Mozambique: Simulador Bancário
- Uganda: Paytota, Xzerra, Kanzu Finance Limited, Axiom Zorn, Credify Africa, Inc, eMaisha Pay
- Zambia: Ebusaka Green Technology Limited, KreativBox Technology, Mighty Finance Solution Inc, Devdraft Ai, Homer Price Agency Solutions Limited
- Seychelles: Fusepay
The semi-finalists will pitch virtually during the week of October 27, 2025. The top ten startups will advance to the Final Demo Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 26, 2025.
The overall winner of the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 will receive $50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Africa’s network of mentors and investors, and the opportunity to explore pilot projects with Absa.
“Through this challenge, we’re seeing solutions that are not only innovative but strategically aligned with Africa’s evolving technology landscape,” added Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for ARO Technology at Absa.
Since its inception in 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in over 90 startups.
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