Are you building the next big tech solution in Africa? Here’s your chance to take it to the next level. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, led by MEST Africa and powered by Absa, is back. This premier Pan-African pitch competition gives early-stage startups the platform to scale through equity funding, strategic networks, and global exposure. What’s at stake Finalists will pitch live to leading investors, corporates, and ecosystem players. The winning startup will receive: - $50,000 in equity - Entry into the prestigious MEST Portfolio - Opportunity to explore commercial pilots with Absa - Access to exclusive partner opportunities Key Dates - Applications open: 4 August 2025 - Applications close: 26 September 2025 - Top 20 announced: 10 October 2025 - Virtual semi-finals: Week of 27 October 2025 - In-person finals: Week of 24 November 2025, Cape Town, South Africa Sector Focus The sector focus is on Fintech and other value chains. Solutions may include: Smart credit and alternative-lending Fraud and trust tech Personalised money OS Offline-friendly rails Next-gen payments and wallets Investment gateways Agri-tech engines Financial literacy re-imagined Omnichannel CX and super-apps Trade and cross-border boosters Product-landing platforms Value-add service layers Integration orchestrators Micro and on-demand insurtech Eligibility Highlights - Early to growth-stage (≤ 3 years in operation) - $5000+ MRR with at least 6 months of revenue - $1M or less raised to date - At least 2 co-founders/team members - Must be based in Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, or Ghana Apply now through Absa Bank Zambia and be part of Africa’s innovation story here https://www.absa.co.zm/mest-africa-challenge/?li_fat_id=3155f43a-28e1-49a1-a0a1-0cfdf65a1e60