7 Finalists Announced for the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge Finale

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology Africa (MEST Africa) has announced seven finalists for the 2024 MEST Africa Challenge finale, an increase from the initial five, highlighting the keen competition and growing scope and impact of the challenge. 

MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) remains Africa’s premier pitch competition for emerging tech entrepreneurs. It brings together relevant stakeholders across the continent and the globe to learn more about the tech scene.

This year marks the sixth edition of MAC. For the first time, MAC also placed a sectoral emphasis on agri-tech, recognizing its immense potential to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

MEST will provide the winning startup with an investment capital of $50,000, coaching, and access to a global network of resources and partners as they build and scale successful businesses that add value to African economies and livelihoods.

This year, contestants for MAC are based in West Africa with a focus on the following key markets: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo.

The 7 finalists include:

AgroSfer

AgroSfer is a SaaS platform that facilitates and unlocks high-income, yield, and the best opportunities for small producers in Africa.

Through AgroSfer’s quality inputs and the right cultivation techniques, small and medium-scale farmers have seen a 30% increase in yield and a 50% increase in income through direct access to the end buyer. For AgoSfer, technology is for good & data is for change.

GEM Industrial Solutions

GEM Industrial Solutions is a Ghanaian-owned unmanned aerial system (UAS) expert that delivers certified commercial drone services in mission planning, piloting, and imagery. We provide efficient, cost-effective geospatial data, ensuring faster ROI for your projects.

Their mission is to utilize UAS’ technology to revolutionize industry needs.

Their vision is to be an industry leader in data collection & delivery, providing cost-effective solutions while simultaneously training and hiring the future UAS pilots of Ghana.

AquaTrack

AquaTrack Ltd is an innovative and comprehensive platform that connects fish farmers, offers farm management tools, and provides an e-commerce/marketplace for farmers to sell their produce to consumers.

SAyeTECH

SAYeTECH is a product and service-oriented company that designs and builds agricultural machinery suited for African conditions and use. The startup provides fabrication training services and computer-aided design services to impact the manufacturing industry.

InterSIP

Intersip International aims to empower organizations and businesses in Africa to develop scalable campaigns, enhancing the lives of target populations and creating a significant impact across the continent

Afrikamart

Over 10,000 farmers have been onboarded since 2019, contributing to sustainable income growth for smallholder farmers.
Afrikamart currently operates in Senegal, Mali, and Morocco. Led by Mignane DIOUF, Sebastien BISSON, and Albert DIOUF, Afrikamart is projected to purchase over 8,000 tons of produce in 2024, helping to strengthen the agricultural economy in these regions. With AI, Afrikamart optimizes product aggregation, swiftly detects quality issues, and provides real-time market insights.

This ensures the right produce reaches the market, quality concerns are quickly addressed, and transparency empowers farmers and buyers alike.

Tolbi

TOLBI Inc supports sustainable, reliable, and transparent climate action by financing certified carbon credits through their marketplace, featuring their projects and those of our partners.

This year’s finalists were selected for their ability to address critical challenges within their markets and demonstrate potential for scalability and impact. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the competition reinforces MEST’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s tech ecosystem.

The grand finale will take place on Friday, the 29th of November, at La Villa Boutique Hotel, Osu, from 12:30 GMT. It will also feature panel discussions and networking sessions.