The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) has announced SAYeTECH, a Ghanaian startup, as the winner of the MEST Africa Challeng
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) has announced SAYeTECH, a Ghanaian startup, as the winner of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024.
Hosted in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, this year’s theme, ‘Find Your Soil,’ focused on AgriTech innovation in the region. MAC 2024 attracted applicants from key markets in the West African Region including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. Six standout finalists were selected to pitch their groundbreaking agricultural technology solutions, all aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in the region.
This prestigious competition, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, culminated with SAYeTECH securing the $50,000 equity funding grand prize for its cutting-edge agricultural machinery designed to meet the unique challenges of African farming.
SAYeTECH’s expansion
The startup aims to address critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including: Scaling up production, reducing equipment delivery lead times, improving access to efficient and affordable machinery.
The equity funding will be pivotal for SAYeTECH’s expansion and commitment to empowering farmers across Africa. MEST Africa, in partnership with organizations like the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, continues to be a catalyst for tech innovation by: fostering entrepreneurship and digital skills, supporting startups with funding, mentorship, and global network access, offering platforms like the MAC to showcase African ingenuity.
Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa, emphasized the role of nurturing ecosystems for AgriTech innovators, saying, “AgriTech innovation thrives when it’s rooted in the right environment. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we provide the visibility, partnerships, and support to help them succeed.”
The success of MAC 2024 and SAYeTECH underscores the growing impact of AgriTech in driving economic development and sustainability in Africa.