The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a leading Pan-African pitch competition for early-stage technology startups in fintech and insurtech. This year’s challenge, powered by MEST Africa and Absa, offers $50,000 equity investment to scale your startup and gain global visibility. Finalists will also receive access to strategic networks, mentorship, and partnership opportunities.

MAC connects startups with the resources and exposure they need to scale across Africa and globally. Selected startups will pitch live at the Grand Finale in Cape Town, South Africa, to an audience of top investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders.

PRIZE DETAILS

• Funding:$50,000 in equity investment for the winning startup
• Mentorship & Resources:
• • Entry into MEST’s portfolio for mentorship, advisory, and technical support
  • Pilot commercial solutions with Absa business units
• Exposure:
  • Pitch to a network of investors and corporates
  • Exclusive partner prizes for additional growth support
• Fully Sponsored Finals: Travel, accommodation, and local transport for finalists in Cape Town.

KEY DATES

• Applications Open: August 4, 2025
• Applications Close: September 26, 2025
• Top 20 Announced: October 10, 2025
• Virtual Semi-Finals: Week of October 27, 2025
• Grand Finale in Cape Town: November 24–28, 2025

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Sector: Fintech, Insurtech, or related value chains (digital payments, financial inclusion, insurance innovation, value chain financing)
• Startup Stage: Early- to growth-stage, operating for less than 3 years
• Revenue: At least $5,000 MRR with 6 months of recurring revenue
• Funding Raised: Cumulative funding of $1M or less
• Team: At least two co-founders or team members
• Location: Must be operating in one or more of the following countries:
• • Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
• Pitch Language: English
• Preferred: Registered as a Delaware C-Corp (not mandatory)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Online Application Form

• 3-minute video pitch (founder must appear on camera)
• Business details, including traction metrics, financials, and growth plans
• Founding team details and profiles

Required Documents

• Pitch Deck (PDF or PowerPoint)
• Company registration documents
• Proof of revenue (e.g., bank statements, MRR reports)
• Founders’ bios or LinkedIn profiles

Action Steps to Prepare

• Finalize and submit your pitch deck
• Record your 3-minute pitch video, ensuring the founder appears on camera
• Gather revenue proof and financial summaries
• Prepare bios or LinkedIn profiles of founders
• Be ready to outline how you plan to use the $50,000 equity funding to drive growth

Find out more - MEST Africa Challenge 2025

Need Help Finding and Winning Grants?

Here’s how we can support you, pick what works best for you:

Option 1 – Free WhatsApp Funding Forum: Join our free WhatsApp group where we share grant updates tailored to your needs—whether you're running a business, nonprofit, or personal project. You’ll never miss out on opportunities again.

Option 2 – Grant Guide: Get our step-by-step guide with 120+ ready-made answers, an AI tool to help you write faster, and monthly grant alerts.

Option 3 – Guide + Community Support: Everything in Option 2 plus one-year access to our Exclusive WhatsApp Support Group, where you can ask questions, get expert feedback, and receive real-time help on your grant applications.

Option 4 – Done-for-You Grant Writing: Let our expert team handle the full process for you—from writing to submission. We’ve helped others win over $50 million in funding. Starts at ?150,000 or CA$299/year, and it comes with a Success Guarantee—if you don’t get shortlisted, we’ll keep applying for you until you do.

If this sounds potentially interesting to you, these are some of the thingsto do; 

• Join our free WhatsApp community with funding updates
• • Africa - Join Community
  • Canada X USA - Join Community
• Grab your Grant guide at 50% OFF here - Ultimate Grant Guide
• Join Teamgranted’s paid funding community here - Join Community
• Schedule a FREE Virtual Coffee with a grant advisor here - Virtual Coffee