The MEST Africa-Mastercard Foundation 2025 EdTech Fellowship Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize the education sector in Ghana by harnessing the power of technology. This partnership aims to support and accelerate the growth of innovative EdTech (educational technology) companies by offering a comprehensive blend of resources, mentorship, and support. These elements are intended to help startups scale their operations and maximize their social impact on education across Ghana and beyond.
About MEST Africa and the EdTech Fellowship Program
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) is a premier, Africa-wide initiative that provides entrepreneurial training and incubation for tech startups. It is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovative African tech entrepreneurs. MEST combines world-class education, seed funding, and a powerful network to help founders build sustainable, impactful tech businesses across the continent.
The EdTech Fellowship Program, a part of this initiative, seeks to address the unique challenges facing education in Ghana. It provides cutting-edge support to EdTech companies—startups, SMEs, and NGOs—that are developing technological solutions aimed at improving education. The program is designed to accelerate their growth, amplify their reach, and help them make a measurable impact on education outcomes in Ghana.
Aim and Key Benefits of the EdTech Fellowship Program
The overarching goal of the EdTech Fellowship Program is to empower EdTech companies to catalyze change in the education sector. This is achieved through a combination of structured support and impactful opportunities. Below are the key benefits offered by the program:
- Mentorship Network: Participants will gain access to a specialized network of mentors who are experts in the education and technology sectors. This guidance will help companies tackle industry-specific challenges, navigate obstacles, and seize new opportunities for growth.
- Accelerated Growth & Impact: The fellowship offers an immersive curriculum tailored to the needs of EdTech startups. The program is designed to expedite their growth, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their ability to improve educational outcomes for learners.
- Market Access: Fellows will have opportunities to showcase their innovative solutions to key stakeholders in the education sector, including government bodies, schools, and corporate partners. This exposure will significantly expand the reach and impact of their products and services.
- Funding Opportunities: Successful applicants will receive $60,000 in equity-free funding to help accelerate the development and sustainability of their businesses. Additionally, the program provides access to further funding opportunities, creating the potential for long-term growth.
Eligibility Criteria for the EdTech Fellowship Program
The program invites startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that meet the following criteria:
- Incorporation in Ghana: Applicants must be officially registered companies based in Ghana.
- At least 3 years of operation: The organization should have been operational for at least three years to ensure it has experience and is ready for the growth acceleration provided by the program.
- Tech-enabled solution: The startup must offer a technological product or service aimed at improving educational outcomes in Ghana, contributing to the broader goals of digital inclusion and educational accessibility.
- Growth stage: The startup should have a working product and a base of active users, demonstrating its capacity for scale.
- Impact Potential: The program seeks companies with the potential to impact at least 8,000 learners, aligning with its mission to scale the reach of effective educational solutions.
- Diverse and inclusive team: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring their teams share a passion for education and are driven to create lasting societal impact.
Key Dates and Application Process
The application process for the program is a multi-stage procedure designed to identify the most promising startups:
- First Information Session: January 16, 2025
- Second Information Session: February 6, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
- Onboarding: April 23, 2025
- Program End: December 2, 2025
The three-stage application process consists of:
- Stage 1: Submit the online application form before the February 21 deadline.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted companies will be invited to pitch their solutions virtually to the selection panel.
- Stage 3: Final selection of startups that will be onboarded into the program.
Conclusion
The MEST Africa-Mastercard Foundation 2025 EdTech Fellowship Program presents an exciting opportunity for EdTech companies in Ghana to access the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to accelerate their growth and create meaningful impact in the education sector. By supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are harnessing technology to solve pressing educational challenges, this program will contribute to transforming education in Ghana, empowering the next generation of learners.
For more information and to apply, visit the MEST EdTech Fellowship website.
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