The regional winners of the inaugural Mest (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology) Africa Challenge, the Pan-African startup pitch competition open to companies outside the Mest programme, has been announced…
According to Mest, each winner has demonstrated thorough problem research and high-level solution architecture skills.
Mest MD Aaron Fu says: “The regional winners have all successfully built solutions solving real problems and proven traction in their home markets. They’ve also shown they have the potential to be successful abroad.”
The competition finals at the summit will present an opportunity for the winners to pitch their companies in front of an experienced judging panel, as well as over 150 investors and corporate executives from across Africa, Silicon Valley, and Europe.
Finalists
1. From Ghana: Cowtribe.com. Cowtribe is a USSD-based technology that connects livestock farmers with veterinarians who can provide vaccinations. Cowtribe has shown great traction and has identified a market with high growth potential in Ghana and abroad.
2. From Nigeria: Accounteer. Accounteer is a Saas company offering accounting and payroll management software tailored to the needs of African SMEs. With over 25 million SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, Accounteer has identified a significant opportunity.
3. From Kenya: Data Integrated. Data Integrated is a payment processing company for the public transport industry in Kenya, offering tools and services for transport operators, stakeholders and other interest groups along the value chain.
4. From South Africa: Swift Vee. Swift Vee is South Africa’s first livestock and agricultural trading platform. With a solid MVP in place, they are on the path to owning significant market share as this traditional marketplace shifts online.
Chief executive officer of Mest Africa Summit sponsor GHL Bank, Dominic Adu says: “The world economy is rapidly changing to disrupt traditional businesses through technology, innovation, and global competition.
“As more traditional jobs are eroded, startups will be the key contributing factor to curbing unemployment and protecting our lifestyles and livelihoods as a nation and continent.”