Applications are open for the 2024 cohort of the MEST Training Program; a twelve-month program hosted physically in Accra and designed to give young people around the continent commercial skills in technology and entrepreneurship.

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

The fully-funded program, 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 startups coming out of the program.

“I came to MEST because I knew that tech is exactly where I want to be. 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,” said Abena Konadu Gyamfi-Afrifa, Entrepreneur-in-Training (MEST Class of 2023).

The Application Process:

1. Visit the application portal and create an account

2. Complete all pre-learning courses

3. Take the aptitude test

4. Fill out and submit the MEST Training Program application form

5. Successful applicants go through the Interview stages

6. 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 program,” said Emily Fiagbedzi, the Director of Training Program 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 Training Program 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 26th February 2022.