Apply Now for the Prestigious MEST Africa Challenge 2025
Fintech entrepreneurs across Africa are invited to showcase their groundbreaking solutions in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, now open for applications. This prestigious Pan-African startup pitch competition—now in its seventh edition—is spearheaded by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) in collaboration with Absa Group, a leading financial services provider on the continent.
Focused entirely on financial technology (FinTech) innovation, MAC 2025 offers early-stage African startups the chance to win a $50,000 equity investment, along with exposure to strategic partners and mentorship from industry leaders.
? Empowering African Fintech Startups
The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 is more than just a competition—it's a launchpad for transformative FinTech solutions that are redefining how money is managed, moved, or insured in Africa. This year’s theme puts the spotlight on startups that are driving digital financial inclusion, making banking, insurance, lending, and digital transactions more accessible to underbanked populations.
If your startup is working to solve Africa’s biggest financial challenges through technology-driven innovation, this is your opportunity to shine.
? Key Dates and Application Process
Startups must submit their applications by 26 September 2025 through MEST's official online portal. The process includes uploading a three-minute pitch video that outlines your product, market potential, and impact.
Deadline to Apply: 26 September 2025
Virtual Pitch Rounds: October 2025
Grand Finale (In-Person in Cape Town): November 2025
Top Prize: $50,000 equity investment + product piloting opportunities
Only 20 semi-finalists will be shortlisted to pitch virtually. From there, 10 standout startups will earn an exclusive invitation to the Grand Finale in Cape Town, where they will compete live for the grand prize and potential partnership deals.
✅ Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MAC 2025, startups must meet the following requirements:
Operate in the FinTech sector
Be less than three years old
Have a minimum monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $5,000
Have raised less than $1 million in total funding
Operate actively in at least one of the following markets:
Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, or Ghana
Startups outside these regions are encouraged to expand or establish operations within these markets before applying.
? A Strategic Partnership to Fuel Africa’s FinTech Future
The MEST Africa Challenge is backed by over a decade of startup ecosystem expertise. MEST Africa, renowned for nurturing and investing in over 90 early-stage African tech companies, has joined forces with Absa Group to take this challenge to new heights.
Absa’s involvement is part of its commitment to supporting digital financial transformation and inclusive economic growth in Africa.
“This partnership is about connecting with startups that can drive meaningful digital transformation,” said Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Chief Information Officer at Absa Regional Operations.
Through this collaboration, participating startups gain access to mentorship, capital, and product testing platforms, offering a fast track to scale and sustainability.
? Why This Challenge Matters for Africa
With a rapidly expanding digital economy and growing demand for financial inclusion, Africa presents fertile ground for innovative FinTech solutions. The MAC 2025 aims to bridge the gap between promising ideas and real-world execution by empowering startups to:
Test and scale their products
Gain early access to funding
Partner with established industry players
Attract global attention and media coverage
This challenge contributes directly to the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem, helping entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into impactful realities that improve everyday life for millions.
? How to Submit Your Application
Ready to take your FinTech startup to the next level?
Here’s how to apply:
Visit the official MEST Africa Challenge portal
Submit your application form and required documentation
Upload a compelling 3-minute pitch video
Make sure your company meets all eligibility criteria
Submit before 26 September 2025
? What’s at Stake?
$50,000 equity funding for the winner
Invaluable mentorship from top African business leaders
Networking opportunities with investors and innovators
A pilot project opportunity with Absa and strategic partners
Media exposure through MEST and Absa networks
? Final Thoughts: Build the Future of FinTech in Africa
The MAC 2025 is not just a competition—it’s a call to action for African entrepreneurs ready to lead the continent into a new era of digital financial empowerment. If your startup is building the future of FinTech, this is your stage.
Apply now and take the first step toward transforming Africa’s financial landscape—one innovative idea at a time.
? Deadline: 26 September 2025
? Apply now at: mestafrica.org
#FinTechAfrica #MESTAfricaChallenge #StartupFunding #DigitalFinanceAfrica #AbsaInnovation #AfricanEntrepreneurs #PitchCompetition2025
