Absa and Meltwater Tech School Drive Innovation

Absa and Meltwater Tech School Drive Innovation

A New Era of Innovation: Absa and MEST Africa Launch 2025 Challenge

Absa has joined forces with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) to launch the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, an initiative aimed at supporting African tech entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions for a rapidly changing continent. This partnership underscores the importance of fostering technological advancement and empowering local talent across Africa.

The MEST Africa Challenge is a well-established pan-African program that focuses on nurturing innovation and investing in emerging tech entrepreneurs. With this collaboration, Absa is reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and inclusive finance, particularly in the fintech sector. The program will serve as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking ideas and providing much-needed support to startups that have the potential to make a significant impact.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by bold ideas, local ingenuity, and scalable innovation,” said Omar Baig, Managing Executive for Absa Regional Operations (ARO) Retail and Business Banking. “At Absa, we recognize the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving inclusive economic growth. This partnership with MEST reflects our commitment to backing those visionaries and shaping the future of financial services. It complements our digital transformation strategy and reflects our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time.”

The challenge will run from August to November, with applications opening on August 4 and closing on September 26. From the initial pool of submissions, 20 semi-finalists will be selected, and ultimately, 10 finalists will be chosen to present their solutions at the grand finale in November. The winning startup will receive a US$50,000 seed equity investment to help scale their business.

Since its inception in 2008, MEST Africa has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in 94 startups across the continent. The MEST Africa Challenge, now in its seventh year, is a flagship pitch competition that highlights and accelerates high-potential startups. This edition, supported by Absa, aims to focus on startups that align with key innovation areas identified by the bank.

“The MEST Africa Challenge is where Africa’s boldest ideas find the opportunity to scale,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead at MEST Africa. “Our partnership with Absa gives these visionary founders the lift they need – connecting them to the capital, expertise, and networks that turn promising startups into sector-defining businesses and drive inclusive growth across the continent.”

Beyond funding, the challenge will offer startups tailored mentorship, access to vital networks, and opportunities to pilot their solutions in relevant African markets. This collaboration is designed to foster a supportive ecosystem that helps startups grow and scale sustainably.

“At Absa, we continue to work towards our goal of being a digitally powered business – one that leverages technology to create simpler, faster, and more inclusive financial experiences,” said Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, ARO Managing Executive and Chief Information Officer. “This requires more than technology; it calls for strong, strategic partnerships.”

“Our collaboration with MEST will not only connect us with innovative startups but also enable us to build a strong talent and entrepreneurial pipeline that drives digital innovation and long-term impact across the continent. Together, we can accelerate the adoption of transformative solutions that will better serve our customers throughout Africa,” he concluded.

Eligibility and Application Details

The 2025 MEST Africa Challenge is open to technology and fintech startups operating in eight of Absa Regional Operations markets. These include Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Ghana. Startups in these countries are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to scale their solutions and connect with a broader innovation ecosystem.

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