Letaji, Chestify AI, OneHealth, Sayna and Koa Academy to compete for $50K Equity Prize in 2023 MEST Africa Challenge

These five startups – Letaji, Chestify AI, OneHealth, Sayna and Koa Academy – have qualified to compete for $50K Equity Prize in 2023 MEST Africa Challenge. They beat 40 competing startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC), an Africa-wide pitch competition for early-stage technology startups.

These top 5 Regional Winners which represent diverse sectors, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and edtech, emerged victorious after rigorous pitch sessions.

The finalists are expected to pitch for the winning prize money at the end of January, an event that will be organized and hosted by MEST Africa.

The finalists are as follows:

• Letaji (Kenya): Revolutionizing the construction industry, Letaji is an online marketplace streamlining the process of purchasing building materials. It connects homeowners, contractors, and hardware stores directly with top suppliers.
• Chestify AI (Ghana): This innovative platform enhances patient care by facilitating seamless connections and support among clinical professionals.
• OneHealth (Nigeria): At the forefront of health tech, OneHealth offers an integrated platform for virtual consultations, connecting patients with doctors and diagnostic centers while managing prescriptions and test results online.
• Sayna (Senegal): A visionary in IT edutainment, Sayna creates a unique blend of educational and entertainment digital products, fostering a community-based approach to tech learning for companies.
• Koa Academy (South Africa): Pioneering the future of online education, Koa Academy stands at the forefront in South Africa with its innovative approach to digital learning.

According to Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST on the upcoming finals: “The top 5 finalists of the 2023 MEST Africa Challenge are a testament to the remarkable innovation and potential within Africa’s tech ecosystem. Each startup has shown incredible prowess in their fields. We eagerly anticipate their presentations at the Final Demo Day, where they will connect with our dynamic network of entrepreneurs, investors, and partners.”

The MEST Africa Challenge, a cornerstone initiative by MEST Africa, holds a crucial position in fostering the growth of emerging and early-stage tech startups across the African continent. MEST Africa, functioning as an all-encompassing training program, seed fund, and network of hubs, is steadfastly focused on empowering the upcoming wave of innovators within Africa’s tech startup landscape.

In 2022, the challenge was won by Kwely, a dynamic B2B e-commerce start-up from Senegal.

In collaboration with Absa Bank, a trailblazer in African financial services with a dedicated commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, this year’s challenge underscores the collaborative ethos propelling Africa’s technological progress.