2026 MEST AI Startup Program for Africans

MEST Africa is excited to announce that applications are now open for the all-new MEST AI Startup Program!

Join a talented cohort of aspiring software entrepreneurs to explore business ideas, form strong teams, and build high-impact AI startups through training and potential incubation with world-class tech and business experts.

This overview provides detailed information about the program, eligibility criteria, application process, timelines, and frequently asked questions. Please review it carefully to fully understand the program and assess if it aligns with your goals and interests.

About the MEST AI Startup Program

The MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa's most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.

The program is structured in two phases. The first phase is a seven-month training program for all selected participants. This training is followed by a graduation ceremony and transition period. Select startups will move into an additional four-month incubation period.

The seven-month training program (January–July 2026) is a hands-on, activity-based experience where participants explore and refine AI business ideas, develop and deploy an AI MVP, and gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals. They engage directly with renowned AI practitioners, entrepreneurs and experts in their fields from around the globe while applying lean startup principles, business modeling, and go-to-market strategies. The training culminates in a pitch opportunity, where high-potential teams are selected to continue into the incubation phase.

The four-month incubation program (September–December 2026) is designed for the most promising AI startups from the training phase. This stage focuses on scaling AI products, securing customers, and preparing for investment. Startups refine their business models with real market validation while working closely with mentors, investors, and industry leaders to develop funding strategies. By the end of the program, startups will have a fully deployable AI product, an established user base, and a roadmap for securing investment and growing their business.

This structured approach ensures that participants receive world-class mentorship, develop tangible AI solutions, and gain a clear pathway toward investment and market success.

1. Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
2. Country to Study: Ghana
3. Type: Training
4. Eligible country: Africans
5. Sponsor: MEST (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology)
6. Gender: Men and Women

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 MEST AI Startup Program for Africans

Required Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelor's degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
2. Age: 21 - 30
3. Experience: Must have demonstrated software development experience, a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, and strong interest in entrepreneurship.
4. Mindset: Entrepreneurial, Innovative, problem-solving, life-long learner, and ready to work in a high-intensity startup environment. Strong desire to be an entrepreneur
5. Citizenship: Citizen of a country in West Africa

Availability: Fully committed for up to 12 months (the 7-month training + 4-month incubation) plus a desire to pursue entrepreneurship full-time afterward.

Preferred Skills:

1. Strong ability to work in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
2. Experience in AI innovation
3. Interest in global market expansion
4. Previous entrepreneurial experience

Recruitment Focus Countries

For the 2026 intake, our focus is West Africa. We will hold in-person interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. West African nationals from other countries are welcome to apply but will need to be able to travel to Ghana, Nigeria, or Senegal for in-person interviews and the group challenge in September/October if shortlisted.

Selection Process

Complete the Program Eligibility Screening

This initial screening is the first step in the application process. Your responses will help us determine if you meet the core eligibility criteria for the program. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be granted access to the general application form.

2. Complete the MEST AI Startup Program Application Form

Here, you will share some basic demographic information, highlight your skills and interest in the program, and upload a short personal statement video.

3. Complete the required assessment and final reflection

After completing the application form, you will proceed to take the required assessments. These assessments will evaluate your technical, business, and interpersonal skills. After completing the assessment, you will upload a short video reflecting on your experience.

4. In-person group challenge & Individual interviews

After application reviews, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person group challenge and individual interviews in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

5. Contract offer

Selected candidates will receive a contract for review.

Program Timeline

1. Contracts are sent in October 2025
2. Virtual pre-learning occurs from November to December 2025
3. Arrival in Ghana and program start: January 2026
4. Training Program Graduation: August 2026
5. Incubation for select ventures: September–December 2026
6. End of full program: December 2026
7. Onboarding to Portfolio for ventures selected for investment: January 2027

Benefits of 2026 MEST AI Startup Program for Africans

World-Class AI & Business Training

Participants undergo a 7-month immersive, hands-on training focused on:

1. AI software development
2. Lean startup methodology
3. Business modeling
4. Go-to-market strategies
5. Leadership and entrepreneurial development
6. This training is led by global AI practitioners, founders, and industry experts.

Startup Incubation & Acceleration

Top-performing teams will:

1. Enter a 4-month incubation program
2. Receive support to scale AI products, validate markets, and refine business models
3. Work closely with mentors, investors, and growth advisors
4. Access to mentorship and global network

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to MEST on mestaistartupprogram.smapply.us to apply

NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION PLATFORM

1. Access the application portal here (for a better experience, right-click the link to open it in a new tab and keep this page open to follow the rest of the process).
2. Click Register here at the top right corner of the page to create an account.
3. After entering your details, you will be notified on-screen that an email has been sent to you. Open the email and click Complete Registration. You will then be redirected back to the application portal.
4. Click View Programs. The MEST AI Startup Program (Class of 2026) will be displayed.
5. Click MORE to access the program description page. The Apply button will appear on the right but be sure you have read all instructions and guidelines carefully before you proceed.
6. Once ready, scroll back to the top and click Apply at the top right corner to get started. Your first task is the Program Eligibility Screening. Click to begin!
7. If you wish to continue later, save your application before exiting to avoid losing data. You can log in anytime to resume. Also, be sure to click Save & Continue Editing regularly to keep your progress.
8. To move to the next stage, click Mark As Complete at the bottom of the page. Your next stage and progress will be displayed at the top left section. You can also view your progress percentage at the top of the page.
9. Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any changes. Be sure to review your responses at each stage and use the review button for a final check before submitting.

Quick Access Links

For additional support on the application or assessments, please see the FAQ links below:

1. Application—SurveyMonkey Application FAQ
2. Assessments—Test Gorilla Assessments FAQ

To learn more about the MEST AI Startup Program, please visit https://meltwater.org/mest-ai-startup-program/

Application link: Please follow this link to apply to the MEST AI Startup Program. Guidelines for navigating the application platform are provided above.

If you have any questions, please send an email to recruitment@meltwater.org OR chat with our WhatsApp Assistant.

For more details, visit MEST Africa webpage

Application Deadline

August 22, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for 2026 MEST AI Startup Program for Africans