ABSA MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 | $50,000 Equity Prize (Pan-African Pitch Competition)

The MEST Africa Challenge 2025 (MAC) — led by MEST Africa and powered by Absa—is still accepting applications from early-stage FinTech startups and ventures with embedded FinTech solutions.

The competition spotlights Absa’s priority markets: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zambia. Finalists will pitch on a global stage for a chance to win US $50,000 in equity funding, receive tailored coaching, and join MEST Africa’s Pan-African founder and investor network.

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When is the Application Deadline:

 September 26, 2025

Tell Me About The Award:

The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is a leading Pan-African pitch competition led by MEST Africa and powered by Absa. It is designed for early-stage technology startups with embedded FinTech solutions, offering a platform to access equity funding, build networks, and gain global visibility.

Which Fields are Eligible?

• FinTech and value chains including:
  
  • Smart Credit & Alt-Lending
    
  • Fraud & Trust Tech
    
  • Personalised Money OS
    
  • Offline-Friendly Rails
    
  • Next-Gen Payments & Wallets
    
  • Agri-Tech Engines
    
  • Financial Literacy Solutions
    
  • InsurTech & Super-Apps
    
  • Trade & Cross-Border Platforms
    

Type:
Pitch competition for early-stage startups.

Who Can Apply?

• Early- to growth-stage startups (less than 3 years in operation).
  
• Minimum $5,000 Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) with at least 6 months of revenue history.
  
• Cumulative funding raised of $1 million or less.
  
• Minimum of two co-founders/team members.
  
• Must be able to pitch in English.
  
• Preferably registered as a Delaware C-corp or in a neutral jurisdiction.
  

How are Applicants Selected?

• Applications close on Sept 26, 2025.
  
• Top 20 announced on Oct 10, 2025.
  
• Virtual semi-finals: Week of Oct 27, 2025.
  
• In-person finals in Cape Town, South Africa: Week of Nov 24, 2025.
  

Which Countries Are Eligible?
Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia.

Where will the Award be Taken?
Final pitch competition in Cape Town, South Africa.

How Many Awards?
One Grand Prize Winner plus partner awards and perks.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

• $50,000 in equity funding.
  
• Entry into the prestigious MEST Portfolio.
  
• Pilot opportunities with Absa’s business units.
  
• Exclusive partner prizes and perks.
  
• Access to global investor and founder networks.
  

How Long Will the Award Last?
Competition runs August–November 2025. Long-term benefits include MEST portfolio membership and partnerships.

How to Apply:

Submit your application before September 26, 2025.

👉 Visit the Award Webpage for Details & Apply Here