MEST AI Startup Program (Class of 2027) for Young African Entrepreneurs

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

• Fully Funded

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

• Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience; Age 21-35; Demonstrated software development experience; Basic understanding of AI; Strong interest in entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving, lifelong learner, ready for a high-intensity startup environment; West or East African citizen; Fully committed for up to 12 months and interested in pursuing entrepreneurship full-time afterward; Nationals outside Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya must be able to travel at their own cost to one of those countries for in-person interviews if shortlisted.

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1. 1
   Check the provider's process

   Consult https://meltwater.org/mest-ai-startup-program to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

2. 2
   Check eligibility and any requested materials

   Listed eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience; Age 21-35; Demonstrated software development experience; Basic understanding of AI; Strong interest in entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial, innovative, problem-solving, lifelong learner, ready for a high-intensity startup environment; West or East African citizen; Fully committed for up to 12 months and interested in pursuing entrepreneurship full-time afterward; Nationals outside Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya must be able to travel at their own cost to one of those countries for in-person interviews if shortlisted.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

3. 3
   Check dates and next steps

   Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

   Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

   If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

   If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

   If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

5. Provider deadline

   To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

   Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.