Accra, Ghana
Program
Entrepreneurship
Details
The MEST Training Program is a 12-month, full time, fully sponsored program in which the cohort – known as Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) – complete a graduate-level course in software development, business and communications, with a focus on practical implementation.
The MEST program provides rigorous entrepreneurial training and extensive hands-on project work, designed to ensure EITs master industry-proven methodologies for developing startups. This coursework is supplemented by a series of guest lectures, bringing in the experiences and insights of internationally-recognized executives and successful entrepreneurs.
The course culminates in an investor pitch and the chance to receive seed funding and enter the MEST incubator.
Criteria
- An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to start a company
- Ability to communicate candidly and persuasively
- Ability to work well in teams
- Proven academic excellence
- Demonstrated leadership abilities
- Ability to meet goals and deadlines
- Demonstrated personal drive, stamina, and self-motivation
- Confidence and independent thinking
- Excellent people skills
Benefits
Global Staff - Senior faculty bring years of entrepreneurial and industry experience, while global Training Program fellows offer specific expertise
Hands-on Projects - EITs gain experience building, validating and pitching business ideas in a fail-safe environment. They do this 4 times throughout the year in what MEST call Capstones
Guest Lectures - Training is supplemented by guest lectures from experienced entrepreneurs and internationally-recognised executives
Full Support - MEST is a fully sponsored program. All EITs receive a full scholarship to attend the 1-year training
About MEST Africa
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) and the MEST Incubator program provide training, investment and mentoring for aspiring technology entrepreneurs with the goal of creating globally successful companies that create wealth and jobs locally in Africa.
Established in Ghana in 2008, MEST offers aspiring African entrepreneurs a fully sponsored a twelve month, intensive full-time program. Sourced from top graduates in from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire, 60 of these Entrepreneurs-In-Training (EITs) are selected each year and receive comprehensive training across the spectrum of skills required to build successful tech businesses, including computer programming, software development, product management, finance, marketing, sales and leadership best practices. To date, MEST has trained over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs, and invested in over 40 seed stage startups.
After completion of the program, the EITs have the opportunity to pitch a concept. Winning teams receive a seed round from the MEST incubator to pursue their idea.