MEST Africa, GIZ launch Tech By Her Accelerator Program

MEST Africa, GIZ launch Tech By Her Accelerator Program

The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) and the Make-IT in Africa initiative run by Deutsche für Gesellschaft Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have launched the Tech By Her Accelerator for female entrepreneurs.

The three-month industry-based programme is open to ambitious female founders of early-stage tech companies in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The move comes at a time when reports show that Sub-Saharan Africa leads the way, with its female entrepreneurship rates the highest globally.

However, Sub-Saharan Africa also has the highest discontinuance rate with most women entrepreneurs in the region citing either unprofitability or lack of finance as a reason for closing their business.

The Tech by Her accelerator aims to develop a strong Pan African female entrepreneurship community. The programme also aims to fuel the growth of female-led businesses by recognizing and maximising their unique strengths.

Additionally, it will equip them with resources to scale and sustain their businesses in a competitive African and international environment.

All this will be done through mentoring and coaching of female founders and building an alumni network of successful Tech by Her Accelerator participants to become ambassadors for other upcoming founders.

MEST Africa was launched in 2008 and is headquartered in Accra, Ghana. The organisation launched into the Kenyan Market in 2015 and in 2018, they launched their tech incubator hub at Nairobi Garage.

To date, MEST Africa has more than 30 companies currently in incubation as part of MEST’s portfolio across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, and over 400 alumni across the continent.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through Tech By Her online portal here, create a profile and upload their pitch deck along with other requested details.

Selected applicants will have access to dedicated business mentors, coaching for personal and
entrepreneurial growth and access to an expansive network of industry leaders and experts in the technology industry across Africa.

Interested applicants have until 13th March 2020 to be part of a community of leading female entrepreneurs.

Want to join our growing business network? Book a tour today at any of our branches and check out our amazing packages!