In the heart of West Africa’s sprawling agricultural landscape, a new initiative is sowing seeds of transformation. The MEST Africa Challenge 2024, announced by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy, is set to spotlight the innovative minds redefining agri-tech in the region.
This year’s challenge is poised to unearth and amplify the most promising agri-tech startups from a diverse range of West African countries, including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. These nations, with their unique agricultural landscapes and challenges, are a fertile ground for technological innovation aimed at transforming agriculture.
To be eligible, start-ups must be early-stage tech companies with a minimum of $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue and a cumulative funding range of $0 to $1 million. They should also have been operational for at least three years, with a track record of at least six months of recurring income, a founding team of at least two members, and preferably be registered in Delaware.
The winner of the MEST Africa Challenge will receive $50,000 in equity capital, along with invaluable access to MEST’s extensive network. This network offers significant partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities designed to help start-ups scale and make their mark on the global stage.
Ashwin Ravichandran, portfolio advisor at MEST Africa, encapsulates the spirit of this initiative: “‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for agri-tech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive.”
Since its inception, MEST has invested over $30 million in nurturing more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and supporting the launch of 90 early-stage tech start-ups across various sectors, including agri-tech, fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, digital media, and healthcare. The MEST Africa Challenge 2024 represents a continuation of this commitment, underscoring the critical role of technology in advancing agricultural practices and addressing food security in West Africa.