MEST Opens 2026 AI Program for West African Startups; $100K Pre-seed Funding Available
Are you an aspiring business owner or software engineer from West Africa prepared to establish a significant AI startup? Applications for the MEST AI Startup Program 2026 are currently being accepted! A chosen group of innovators will graduate from this 12-month, completely immersive program with the technical know-how, commercial acumen, and mentoring required to launch and grow internationally competitive AI-driven software companies.
The program, which is provided by MEST Africa, one of the top incubators and training centers on the continent, is especially made to cultivate the future generation of AI entrepreneurs and startup executives in Africa.
A recently established program called the MEST AI Startup Program is designed to help entrepreneurs go from concept to funding in as little as one year. MEST has led the way in nurturing African tech talent since 2008. In 2026, it will make a daring change by concentrating solely on artificial intelligence to spur economic growth, job creation, and innovation throughout Africa.
There are two stages to the program:
- 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
MEST is hiring from all around West Africa for the 2026 intake, and challenges and in-person interviews will be held in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. For in-person selection events, applicants from other West African nations must be able to travel to one of these nations.
Deadline: August 22, 2025
Click here to apply
