Application Deadline: February 26, 2023
MEST Africa is pleased to announce that applications are open for MEST Training Program, Class of 2024! Gain access to world-class education at Software development, Business and Communication skills from MEST Africa’s 12-month Training Program. Apply now to be part of the next class of innovative technology entrepreneurs!
MEST has confirmed to start a new cohort for the core Training Program in August 2023. Applications are open December 12, 2022 and close February 26, 2023.
MEST Training Program
MEST offers 12 months of graduate level training to aspiring entrepreneurs across the African continent.
The entrepreneurial training program in business, communication and software development includes extensive hands-on project work, culminating in a final pitch and the opportunity to receive seed investment and grow businesses.
The successful world-class training program is run with the help of an internationally recognized faculty. Our teaching partners come from some of the best universities around the world. MEST also offers entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) the opportunity to be mentored by real-life Entrepreneurs, CEOs and other executives from around the world. Guest lecturers are executives from Uber, Facebook, Safaricom, Samsung, Interswitch, and many more.
Since its inception in 2008, MEST has invested over $25m in training 1000+ individual entrepreneurs and funded 80+ software companies across Africa. MEST entrepreneurs have developed solutions that address local, regional and global markets, received follow-on funding from global investors, and entered top accelerator programs such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups and TechStars .
Candidate Profile
- A degree from a top university or Technical College or equivalent experience with at least two (2) years of corporate and startup experience (preferred)
- Deep skills in any communication, business or software development (from the start or acquired in the Pre-Learning phase)
- Young people are passionate about tech and entrepreneurship, and how to use technology to achieve business results.
- Must be willing to commit to a full year-long residential program
- Disciplined, motivated self-starter who can work and deliver on tasks and projects – demonstrate this by completing the required Pre-Learning courses and the rigorous MEST recruitment process
- An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to start a company
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
- Ability to work well in teams, proven academic or professional excellence
- Demonstrated leadership abilities
- Confident and independent thinking
- Excellent people skills
Benefits
- The MEST Training Program is an intensive 12-month, full-time, fully sponsored program in which the cohort – known as Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) – complete graduate-level courses in software development, business, and communications, with a focus on practical implementation.
- The course ends with an investor pitch, with the opportunity to receive seed funding and enter the MEST portfolio for company incubation.
Sample Curriculum
- Core Programming Languages
- Web and Mobile Development
- UI/UX
- Forming Culturally Driven Groups
- Business and Profit Modeling
- Branding and Communication
- Market Research
- Product Development and Innovation
- Marketing and Growth Hacking
- Financial and Investment Management
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Metrics and Measurements
- Sales and Traction
- Prepare for investments
Important Dates
- Applications are due: February 26, 2023
- The program begins: August 2023
How to apply
Complete these pre-learning courses:
- Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
- Understand the Basics of Code
Note: Upon completion of your first course on the IBM Digital Nation Africa portal, you will be guided to create an account on youracclaim.com. Once this is done, your badge will be automatically posted to Acclaim. You can get your profile link by clicking on the profile icon and selecting ‘View my profile’.
Please note that you must complete these courses, submit your profile link and upload your certificate by the application deadline.
Take an Aptitude Test
You must take the Aptitude Test because your score will be asked when filling out your application form and will determine your transfer to the next stage.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the MEST Africa Entrepreneurial Training Program 2024
