Absa has announced its exclusive partnership with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) for the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to empowering African tech entrepreneurs and accelerating innovation across the continent.
The MEST Africa Challenge is a prestigious pan-African pitch competition that identifies, nurtures, and invests in emerging technology startups. With Absa as the sole sponsor of this year’s challenge, the 2025 edition will place a strong spotlight on fintech innovation, aligning with the bank’s vision to drive digital transformation and inclusive financial services throughout Africa.
“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 recognise the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving inclusive economic growth. This partnership with MEST is a reflection of our commitment to backing those visionaries who are shaping the future of financial services. It perfectly complements our digital transformation journey and our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together—one story at a time.”
The challenge kicks off with an open call for applications on 4 August and closes on 26 September 2025. From this pool, 20 semi-finalists will be selected and later narrowed down to 10 finalists, who will pitch their businesses at the grand finale in November.
The winning startup will receive a $50,000 seed equity investment from MEST Africa and Absa, alongside tailored support to help them scale their business and increase impact across African markets.
Since its inception in 2008, MEST Africa has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in 94 startups across the continent. Now in its seventh edition, the MEST Africa Challenge has become a flagship platform for discovering and accelerating high-potential tech ventures.
“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 with capital, mentorship, and networks that can transform promising startups into sector-defining businesses driving inclusive growth.”
The collaboration goes far beyond financial backing. Participating startups will benefit from:Tailored mentorship from industry experts, Access to vital investor and enterprise networks and Opportunities to pilot fintech solutions in key African markets
“At Absa, our goal is to be a digitally powered business that delivers 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 helps us connect with Africa’s most innovative startups, build entrepreneurial talent, and accelerate the adoption of transformative solutions across the continent.”
Together, Absa and MEST Africa are not just supporting startups—they are co-creating a future where African entrepreneurs lead the charge in shaping digital finance and unlocking inclusive growth for generations to come.
