6 Ghanaian Startups Joins MEST Express Accelerator

The first-ever sustainability-focused cohort of the MEST Express accelerator has chosen six impact-driven Ghanaian entrepreneurs to participate, and they will each get a grant of $5,000 in addition to various forms of support.

Along with Pre-MEST and MEST Scale, MEST Express is one of three programs that MEST runs in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.

The 20-week accelerator program provides free training, coaching, resources, and support to participating firms in an effort to arm early-stage businesses with the tools and resources they need to accelerate their growth. The newest cohort is focused on empowering Ghanaian entrepreneurs that offer technology-based solutions to spur revolutionary change and build a more sustainable future for all.

The six chosen businesses underwent extensive needs assessments at the start of the program to identify major focus areas. They will now collaborate with industry professionals to build customized solutions to their requirements and obstacles. A reward of $5,000 has also been given to each startup.

The chosen startups include the shea production resource provider Sommalife, the agri e-commerce service Africa Goodnest, the e-commerce and courier platform Shaq Express, the farmer financing platform Fluid Finance, the baby and maternity e-commerce service Tiny Reusers, and the e-commerce platform for health consultations called Digital Health Access.

Since the MEST Express program’s inception in September 2020, it has expedited 80 entrepreneurs in Ghana and awarded grant funds totaling more than $100,000. Its involvement with these firms has resulted in the creation of more than 200 employment.