MEST Africa, in partnership with Absa, has unveiled the Top 10 finalists for the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, the pan-African pitch competition backing high-potential early-stage tech startups driving fintech innovation and digital transformation across the continent.
The announcement follows two days of competitive semi-final pitches on October 28 and 29, featuring standout founders from eight African markets. Selected ventures demonstrated compelling innovation in financial inclusion, digital payments, embedded finance, and AI-powered financial systems.
Top 10 Finalists Selected From Eight African Markets
This year’s finalists are:
- mystocks.africa — Botswana
- Credify Africa Inc — Uganda
- Logistify AI — Kenya
- Kutana Technologies Ltd — Ghana
- Investa Farm — Kenya
- Black Swan — Mauritius
- Mighty Finance Solution Inc — Zambia
- Devdraft AI — Zambia
- Kanzu Finance Ltd — Uganda
- Farmsky — Kenya
These ventures reflect a growing wave of technology solutions advancing how Africa transacts, invests, manages risk, and builds digital financial trust.
“We’re seeing founders build financial systems that are inclusive, intelligent, and unmistakably African,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead at MEST Africa. “The Top 10 exemplify the purposeful innovation driving Africa’s next wave of growth.”
Absa executives emphasised the bank’s commitment to strengthening the continent’s fintech ecosystem.
“Our ambition is to reimagine financial services through technology,” said Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Technology at Absa Regional Operations. “We are excited about the potential to turn some of these ideas into meaningful partnerships that deliver value at scale.”
Final Pitch Event Set for Cape Town on November 26
The finalists will advance to the Grand Finale in Cape Town on November 26, 2025, where one winning startup will receive:
- USD $50,000 equity investment
- Access to MEST’s global mentor and investor network
- Opportunity to collaborate with Absa on commercial pilots and innovation projects
“What stands out is how digital innovation is solving real market challenges,” said Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital — ARO RBB. “Digital solutions are no longer optional — they are essential to financial sector transformation.”
