Latest news with #MESTAfrica
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Applications Open for the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Startup Program - Africa's Launchpad for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Founders
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) ( a leader in tech entrepreneurship training and early to growth stage startup support, has officially opened applications for its newly evolved Training Program; the MEST AI Startup Program. This bold redesign of MEST's flagship Training Program is built to prepare Africa's most promising tech talents to build, launch, and scale world-class AI startups. For over 17 years, MEST has trained and supported software entrepreneurs across the continent, contributing to Africa's innovation economy. Now, as artificial intelligence transforms industries at a very rapid pace, MEST is positioning Africa's tech entrepreneurs at the forefront of this shift. 'Africa has world-class tech talent, and it's time AI solutions built on the continent reach users everywhere,' says Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program. 'MEST is proud to contribute to this reality through our training and incubation program that equips talent from across Africa with training and mentoring from international experts for the development of globally relevant AI Software.' The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully-funded, immersive experience hosted in Accra, Ghana that equips Africa's most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills to build and scale globally competitive startups. Over an intensive seven-month training phase, founders receive hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching from global experts while developing AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges. The top ventures then advance to a four-month incubation period, where they refine their products, secure market traction, and sharpen their go-to-market strategies. At the end of incubation, startups have an opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100, 000 and join the MEST Portfolio. As MEST Founder Jorn Lyseggen notes, 'Mastering AI and the advanced AI tools available today is a must for any entrepreneur and further levelling the playing field. The world has never been flatter. We are proud and excited to announce that the next batch of MEST entrepreneurs will be trained by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry from companies such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater.' For the 2026 intake, the program is open to African founders based in West Africa aged 21 - 30 with software development experience who want to start their own AI startup. Apply now at Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa). Media Contact: Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei Marketing and Communications Manager ophesmur@ About MEST Africa: Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation's Entrepreneurial Support Organisation—MEST—delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa's next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa and Mastercard Foundation Announce Selection of 12 Companies for Second Cohort of EdTech Fellowship in Ghana
MEST Africa ( in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced its second cohort of 12 innovative companies for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana. This six-month entrepreneurship acceleration program is dedicated to supporting Africa's most promising EdTech ventures by equipping them with mentorship, funding, and expertise in the science of learning. These newly selected companies are set to scale their groundbreaking solutions and address pressing educational challenges across Ghana. The Second cohort builds on the success of the first cohort of 12 EdTech Companies, whose solutions impacted over 136,798 learners during the period of acceleration, underscoring the Fellowship's ability to drive transformative change. 'We are thrilled to welcome the second cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship,' said Angela Duho, Program Manager at MEST Africa. 'In Ghana, EdTech is not just about innovation—it's about creating equal opportunities for every student, no matter where they live. It empowers teachers with the tools they need to inspire, and it prepares our youth for a future where digital skills are essential. The first cohort has already shown us what's possible, and we're confident that these new Fellows will continue to transform education and unlock potential across the country.' The 12 EdTech companies selected for the 2025 cohort demonstrated strengths in [please add here] that point to Ghana's educational needs. Over the next six months, they will benefit from comprehensive support, including expert mentorship, access to funding, and specialized training, enabling them to scale their solutions effectively and sustainably. The EdTech companies selected by MEST Africa for the 2025 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship are: TECHAiDE ( is a social enterprise committed to enhancing education, youth development, and healthcare throughout Africa. Since 2011, they have collaborated with global partners to deliver practical, affordable, and lasting solutions that uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and support institutions in creating brighter futures MooslaTrain ( is redefining math education in Ghana by sparking curiosity and confidence in students. This is done through community-driven math clubs and digital learning tools that make math approachable and fun, equipping young learners with the skills to thrive in STEM and beyond. Scribble Works Publishing House ( is passionate about enriching education in Africa by providing educators and students with affordable, curriculum-aligned materials and interactive digital tools, fostering engaging learning experiences backed by actionable insights. InovTech STEM Center is an innovation hub devoted to bringing STEM education to underserved communities. Through hands-on robotics and coding programs—like STEM4Her, Powered Girl, and Powered Boy—they inspire students and teachers to develop skills that open doors to new opportunities. STEMAIDE ( is focused on reshaping education in Africa by nurturing problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in young people. STEMAIDE strives to prepare the next generation with the tools and mindset to succeed in an ever-changing world. Nikasemo Technologies ( is dedicated to enhancing the classroom experience in basic schools with their software and hardware solutions that streamline school operations and create dynamic, engaging learning environments that help students reach their full potential. Jesi AI ( is a generative AI assistant supporting teachers in Ghana's junior and senior high schools. By simplifying the creation of high-quality, curriculum-aligned lesson plans and materials, Jesi AI saves educators time while also acting as a virtual tutor to guide students and track their growth. Metaschool AI ( is an educational app designed with BECE and WASSCE students in Ghana in mind. Offering interactive video lessons from top instructors, Metaschool provides a flexible, student-paced learning platform that makes academic success more achievable. Maxim Nyansa Foundation ( empowers high school students and teachers across Africa with vital IT infrastructure and educational software. By tapping into open-source solutions, Maxim Nyansa improves access to quality education and works to close the digital gap. The Ghana Olympiad Academy ( through its Academic Talent Development Programme, brings hands-on STEM learning to learners in Ghana. They nurture talent in literacy, numeracy, and STEM, preparing young minds for leadership and innovation on a global stage. Asah Maker-Space is passionate about automation, robotics, 3D printing, coding, and construction. Asah Makerspace's team of skilled educators and tech enthusiasts empowers the next generation of creators through immersive, practical learning experiences. Craft Education Technologies ( bridges the gap between therapists, parents, and teachers to create a seamless support system for children with behavior and learning challenges, including autism. This collaborative model ensures that every child receives the individualized attention they need to succeed. 'The Mastercard Foundation looks to support the acceleration of EdTech solutions that reach all, including those out-of-school young people who are constantly left out of the education ecosystem. For it is when we design with the end user in mind that the business case for the solutions is more scalable, sustainable and impactful. Our collaboration with MEST Africa is to transform education in Ghana through technology-enabled learning', added Rodwell Mangisi, the Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, this cohort will embark on a transformative journey, gaining mentorship from experts in education innovation, sustainability, and scale, access to courses on the science of learning, and equity-free grants. This robust support aims to scale their solutions and elevate educational outcomes for millions across Ghana and Africa. For more information about the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship and MEST Africa initiatives, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa). For media inquiries, contact: Francis Akondor Marketing and Recruitment Manager, MEST Africa francis@ About MEST Africa: Established in 2008, the Meltwater Foundation is the non-profit arm of the global media intelligence company, Meltwater. Its mission is to create job opportunities and drive economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship, primarily via the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa). Based in Accra, Ghana, MEST offers a one-year, specialised tech entrepreneurial training program for top talent from over 22 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal. Additionally, MEST invests in early to growth-stage startups. In 2020, MEST Programs was launched to forge partnerships with other foundations and organisations that share our goal of creating wealth and jobs in Africa through digital skills training and startup acceleration. MEST Africa has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in more than 90 startups across various industries throughout Africa. Visit to learn more. About the Mastercard Foundation: The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organisations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organisation separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership. For more information on the Foundation, please visit About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship: The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising, African EdTech ventures. Implemented in partnership with innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across Africa, the Fellowship provides select EdTech companies with critical business and financial support, as well as insight into the science of learning, preparing them for scale, sustainability, and impact. The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship was launched in 2019 by the Mastercard Foundation through its Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning with the goal to partner with 12 Tech Hubs to support over 250 EdTech companies and reach at least 1.8 million young people by 2025. For more information about the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, visit: or contact: edtechfellowship@
