Apply Now: MEST AI Startup Program 2026 for West African Entrepreneurs

Are you a West African software program developer or aspiring entrepreneur able to launch a high-impact AI startup? The MEST AI Startup Program 2026 is now open for functions! This absolutely immersive, 12-month journey will equip a choose cohort of innovators with the technical experience, enterprise expertise, and mentorship wanted to construct and scale globally aggressive AI-driven software program startups.

Offered by MEST Africa—one of many continent’s main incubators and coaching hubs—this system is particularly designed to develop Africa’s subsequent technology of AI entrepreneurs and startup leaders.

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About the Program

The MEST AI Startup Program is a newly launched initiative structured to take founders from concept to funding in only one yr. Since 2008, MEST has been on the forefront of growing African tech expertise. In 2026, it’s making a daring pivot—focusing solely on synthetic intelligence to drive innovation, job creation, and financial progress throughout Africa.

The program consists of two phases:

• 7-month Training Phase (January–July 2026): Founders be taught by doing—type groups, validate AI enterprise concepts, construct MVPs, and acquire world mentorship.

• 4-month Incubation Phase (September–December 2026): Selected startups give attention to product scaling, buyer acquisition, and pitch for as much as $100,000 in pre-seed funding.

By January 2027, high-performing groups will transition into the MEST Portfolio, receiving continued help as they develop.

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What You’ll Get

• A rigorous coaching expertise led by world specialists from OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, Meltwater, and extra

• A Pan-African cohort of friends to construct, check, and launch startups in real-time

• Access to world-class AI and enterprise mentorship

• An opportunity to pitch for $100,000 in pre-seed funding

• A transparent roadmap towards launch, progress, and funding readiness

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Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you have to:

• Be aged 21–30

• Hold a Bachelor’s diploma, diploma, or equal expertise

• Be a citizen of a West African nation

• Be obtainable full-time for the whole 12-month program

• Have demonstrated software program growth expertise

• Possess a fundamental understanding of synthetic intelligence

• Show a robust curiosity in entrepreneurship and startup tradition

Preferred qualities:

• Experience working in cross-functional groups

• Familiarity with AI-driven options or innovation

• Previous entrepreneurial publicity

• Passion for world market growth

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Recruitment Focus

For the 2026 consumption, MEST is recruiting from throughout West Africa, with in-person interviews and challenges going down in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Applicants from different West African nations should be capable of journey to certainly one of these nations for in-person choice occasions.

Program Structure and Timeline

How to Apply

Access the Application Portal
➝ Apply here

For extra alternatives, go to opportunitiesforyouth.org.