Are you a West African software developer or aspiring entrepreneur ready to launch a high-impact AI startup? The MEST AI Startup Program 2026 is now open for applications! This fully immersive, 12-month journey will equip a select cohort of innovators with the technical expertise, business skills, and mentorship needed to build and scale globally competitive AI-driven software startups.
Offered by MEST Africa—one of the continent’s leading incubators and training hubs—the program is specifically designed to develop Africa’s next generation of AI entrepreneurs and startup leaders.
The MEST AI Startup Program is a newly launched initiative structured to take founders from idea to investment in just one year. Since 2008, MEST has been at the forefront of developing African tech talent. In 2026, it’s making a bold pivot—focusing exclusively on artificial intelligence to drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth across Africa.
The program includes two phases:
7-month Training Phase (January–July 2026): Founders learn by doing—form teams, validate AI business ideas, build MVPs, and gain global mentorship.
4-month Incubation Phase (September–December 2026): Selected startups focus on product scaling, customer acquisition, and pitch for up to $100,000 in pre-seed investment.
By January 2027, high-performing teams will transition into the MEST Portfolio, receiving continued support as they grow.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
Be aged 21–30
Hold a Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or equivalent experience
Be a citizen of a West African country
Be available full-time for the entire 12-month program
Have demonstrated software development experience
Possess a basic understanding of artificial intelligence
Show a strong interest in entrepreneurship and startup culture
Preferred qualities:
Experience working in cross-functional teams
Familiarity with AI-driven solutions or innovation
Previous entrepreneurial exposure
Passion for global market expansion
Benefits
A rigorous training experience led by global experts from OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Meltwater, and more
A Pan-African cohort of peers to build, test, and launch startups in real-time
Access to world-class AI and business mentorship
A chance to pitch for $100,000 in pre-seed investment
A clear roadmap toward launch, growth, and investment readiness
For the 2026 intake, MEST is recruiting from across West Africa, with in-person interviews and challenges taking place in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Applicants from other West African countries must be able to travel to one of these countries for in-person selection events.
