83 MEST Africa Challenge 2020 Finalists Announced

The finalists for the 2020 MEST Africa Challenge, representing the best tech software startups in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sénégal, South Africa, and Tanzania have been released with 83 companies making the shortlist.

Finalists were chosen after a three-month-long search for Africa’s emerging tech entrepreneurs from nine emerging markets including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sénégal, South Africa, and Tanzania.

The pitch competition offers startups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic much-needed investment and support during a time of great uncertainty. To ensure the safety of the MEST community all of the country pitch competitions will be virtual, giving local and global audiences front row access to the Africa-wide pitch competition.

Participating entrepreneurs will take part in country-wide pitch competitions where they will pitch virtually to a panel of expert judges. Finalists from each country will go on to compete on a global stage in front of entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners and ecosystem players for the chance to win US$50,000 in investment from the MEST, and the opportunity to join the MEST incubator community.

The following are the participating startups per country with their respective dates:

The startups who participated in the Ethiopia Country MEST Africa Challenge Finals on June 3rd are Qinash, Alpha IT Solution, Temaribet, Yezare, Across Express PLC, iWork PLC, Yerras, Omniline IT Technology Solutions PLC, and Debo Engineering Plc. Debo Engineering Plc emerged as the winner.

On June 10th, MarketForce, DawaSwift, Snark Health Limited, Dawapay, Xetova, Mango Solar, Smart Matatu, TIBU, Fundis LLC, and Nanasi will compete in the Kenya Country Finals.

The Startups who will be participating In the Côte d’Ivoire Country Finals on June 17th are Guanxi Investment Africa Handmade, Kissi, Tutoo+, Ewarren Financial Services Inc, Moja Ride, Vzion Media, Afrik’apps, and Panelys Cashwill.

In Rwanda, Exuus, BAG Innovation, Rokkup, CalmGeeks Inc., Shambapro Ltd, Bongalo Ltd, Moilla Ltd, Wastezon, Kozzi Homes, and Grab Deal Limited will pitch on June 24th at the Rwanda Country Finals.

On July 8th SmartClass Company Limited, Ngwala Inventions Limited, Flamingoo Foods Company Ltd, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited, Dundiza, Kilimo Pay, A-TRADER, CHAP FOOD LTD, Dinestle Technologies, Smartwash Company Limited will compete in the Tanzania Country Finals.

On July 1st, Soil Solutions, Aleph Engineering, Henson Geodata Technologies, Sustainable Energy Technologies Limited, Acyst Technology Company, Stabus, Oniocha Ltd, EdTech Innovations Limited, Khalmax Robotics, and Aiscarecrow Technologies will compete in the Ghana Country Finals.

On July 15th, YotePesa Wallet, HoDi HoDi, Insuris, Mousso Africa, and Sourcenets Limited will compete in the Sénégal Country Finals.

The startups who will be participating in the Nigeria Country Finals on July 22nd are Social Lender, MOLI, TOJU, IderaOS, Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited, Padimi.co, Scrapays, Edusko, At Your Service Technologies Ltd, and Gradely.

The startups who will be participating in the South Africa Country Finals on July 24th are My Pregnancy Journey, PopUp Shop Shop, Cowriex, Timber Wizard, AutoAdvisor.co.za, MyBraai, Abby Health, DizzitUp, Creative Nestlings, and Applied Vehicle Analysis.