Apply now to join Accra-based MEST class of 2024

Applications are open for the 2024 cohort of the MEST training programme – a 12-month initiative physically hosted in Accra and designed to give young people from across Africa commercial skills in technology and entrepreneurship.

As one of the pioneering pan-African programs of its kind, the MEST training programme goes beyond software training to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with business, marketing, communication, and soft skills training.

The fully funded programme, which also focuses on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to build, grow and scale successful tech businesses in Africa, provides up to $100 000 in seed funding, and business incubation to high-potential start-ups coming out of the programme.

“I came to MEST because I knew that tech is exactly where I want to be,” explains Abena Konadu Gyamfi-Afrifa, who is in the class of 2023. “MEST has been the solid ground that I needed to really face my fears and improve myself. From design thinking to trying my hands on Figma for the first time, I have loved the journey so far and I can’t wait to experience more ahead.”

MEST application process

• Visit the application portal and create an account
• Complete all pre-learning courses
• Take the aptitude test
• Fill out and submit the MEST Training Program application form
• Successful applicants go through the Interview stages
• Successful applicants receive an offer from MEST Africa

“Learning sessions for the class of 2024 are set to begin in late August of 2023. For successful non-English speaking applicants, MEST will also provide a language and cultural immersion program in early August before the start of the programme,” says Emily Fiagbedzi, director of training at MEST Africa.

MEST has produced some of the continent’s fastest-growing startups across various industries. Some of MEST’s past cohorts and graduating startups include the largest real estate platform in Ghana, MeQasa; CodeLn, one of the fastest-growing platforms for hiring software developers in Africa; Complete Farmer, a leading agritech business in Africa and Kudobuzz, a SaaS company that builds tools to help eCommerce merchants build trust and traction.

Launched in 2008 as a fully funded program by the Meltwater Foundation, the programme has trained over 800 young African tech entrepreneurs, given seed investment to, and supported over 80 startups, and created thousands of jobs across the continent for their graduates.

Applications close on 26 February 2022.

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