MEST launches in Lagos and promises a one stop shop for African entrepreneurs

Pan-African incubator centre, MEST has announced its presence in Nigeria with the launch of its Lagos incubator centre on Tuesday, November 21, 2017.

This move is part of the growing Pan-African network of MEST incubator programs. The plan is aimed at extending the incubator’s activities beyond its flagship headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

The launch of an incubation centre was also planned for Cape Town on Thursday, November 23, 2017.

MEST is aimed at helping young African entrepreneurs with needed skills, mentorship and resources to scale their businesses.

“This new incubator in Nigeria's economic centre, Lagos, is a strategic move towards partnering with the state government in changing the future economy of the state through its support for new businesses, empowering millennials and providing more jobs," said Mr Tunde Durosinmi-Etti, Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment.

"With its 9-year track record in Ghana, we are glad to finally see MEST expand their footprint into Nigeria.”

MEST made its initial footprint in Nigeria in 2015 with the Nigerian and South African Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs). At present, the incubator is in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire.

What is MEST?

MEST is a Pan-African entrepreneurial training program, seed fund and hub for technology entrepreneurs. The centre is also planned to be a co-working station for young entrepreneurs and startups.

According to the centre’s mission, young African tech entrepreneurs will be provided with critical skills training needed to scale their businesses.

These areas include software development and communication skills.

Selected entrepreneurs for the MEST’s program will undergo a 1-year technology training program in Ghana. This will be followed by a potential seed funding and incubation as MEST portfolio companies.

The Meltwater Foundation is the main investor in MEST. It has injected about $20 million into the program since 2008.