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The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa and Absa Announce 20 Semi-finalists for the MEST Africa Challenge 2025

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MEST

Twenty startups have been named semi-finalists in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, announced today by MEST Africa (www.Meltwater.org) in partnership with Absa, highlighting the continent’s most promising ventures in FinTech and other high-value chain solutions.

Now in its 7th edition, the Challenge brings to life the theme “You Build, We Scale” — inspiring founders to transform bold ideas into scalable financial solutions across Absa’s eight priority markets: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zambia.

The selected ventures are addressing some of the continent’s most pressing financial innovation needs — spanning next-generation payments, smart credit solutions, cross-border trade, agri-fintech, and digital financial literacy.

“Each of these founders represents a unique path toward reimagining how finance works for Africans,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa and MAC Lead. “Their ideas pair technology with empathy, proving that lasting change comes from solving real problems within their own communities. We’re proud to provide a platform that connects them with investors, mentors, and global opportunities.”

As MEST Africa’s strategic partner for the 2025 edition of MAC, Absa continues to play a pivotal role in driving digital innovation in financial services and inclusion across Africa. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs who are redefining financial access for individuals and businesses alike.

“Congratulations to the top 20 finalists and to all applicants. The quality of submissions has been exceptional, showcasing the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial drive across Africa. These startups are not only solving real challenges; they’re building the foundation for inclusive growth and lasting impact. Our partnership with MEST and our active participation in the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 reflect our commitment to open collaboration within the FinTech ecosystem. At Absa, we see ourselves as partners in this journey, guided by a purpose to make banking simpler, more accessible, and more relevant for our customers,” says Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations (ARO), Retail and Business Banking.

From hundreds of brilliant ideas, these 20 standout startups have emerged to advance in the MEST Africa Challenge 2025.

Botswana

  • mystock.africa – A retail investing platform giving Africans access to stocks, ETFs, and alternative assets.

Ghana

  • Brydge – A supply chain platform simplifying cross-border trade for African businesses.
  • Kutana Technologies Limited – A multi-currency payment platform powering B2B cross-border trade using stablecoins and AI-driven credit.

Kenya

  • Logistify AI – An AI platform helping SMEs and cooperatives optimize procurement and supply chains.
  • Farmsky Ventures – A digital lending and crop insurance platform boosting productivity for smallholder farmers.
  • Investa Farm – An Agri-FinTech platform offering voucher-backed loans for climate-resilient farm inputs.

Mauritius

  • Black Swan – Uses AI and alternative data to build credit scores for Africa’s unbanked population.

Mozambique

  • Simulador Bancário – A digital platform simplifying financial planning and loan simulations.

Uganda

  • Paytota – A unified payment gateway simplifying Africa’s fragmented digital payments ecosystem.
  • Xzerra – A biometric payment system enabling cashless, fingerprint-based transactions in schools.
  • Kanzu Finance Limited – A digital banking solution for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations, Village Savings and Loan Associations, and microfinance institutions.
  • Axiom Zorn – A data innovation company enabling access to finance and markets for smallholder farmers.
  • Credify Africa, Inc – A trade finance and logistics platform bridging Africa’s SME finance gap.
  • eMaisha Pay – A digital payments platform for agro-traders and small businesses, driving financial inclusion.

Zambia

  • Ebusaka Green Technology Limited – A FinTech-powered waste-to-value platform digitizing payments and recycling incentives.
  • KreativBox Technology – digital lending company offering salary-backed loans to civil servants.
  • Mighty Finance Solution Inc – Provides embedded digital loans to SMEs and women entrepreneurs.
  • Devdraft Ai – A cross-border payments platform for freelancers and businesses using stablecoin wallets.
  • Homer Price Agency Solutions Limited – A digital banking provider operating 550+ agents nationwide.

Seychelles

  • Fusepay – A licensed Payment Service Provider creating a digital finance hub for frontier markets.

The 20 semi-finalists will pitch virtually during the week of October 27, 2025, with only the top 10 startups advancing to the Final Demo Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 26, 2025. The overall winner will receive USD $50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Africa’s global network of mentors, partners, and investors, and the opportunity to explore pilot pathways with Absa’s business units.

“Through this challenge, we’re seeing solutions that are not only innovative but strategically aligned with Africa’s evolving technology landscape. Some of these ideas have the potential to accelerate digital transformation and unlock new value for our customers,” says Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for ARO Technology.

Since 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is its flagship pan-African pitch competition designed to identify, support, and scale high-potential technology ventures.

For more information on MAC 2025, visit: https://apo-opa.co/48ZEm9t

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Energy

London Showcase to Bring Venezuela’s Energy Opportunities to Global Investors Ahead of 2026 Summit

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A high-level London industry showcase on July 30 will bring together UK and European investors, financiers and energy leaders to explore emerging opportunities across Venezuela’s oil, gas and power sectors ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 17, 2026/APO Group/ –As Venezuela accelerates efforts to revitalize its energy sector and attract international investment, Venezuela Energy Week 2026 will host an exclusive Industry Showcase in London on July 30, bringing together investors, financial institutions, international oil companies, commodity traders and energy executives for market intelligence, networking and partnership development ahead of the flagship conference taking place this October in Caracas.

 

Designed as a strategic preview of the main event, the London showcase will provide UK and European stakeholders with first-hand insight into Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape while creating opportunities for commercial dialogue with industry leaders, potential partners and key decision-makers.

Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves and significant natural gas resources, Venezuela is entering a new phase of energy development focused on increasing production, expanding gas commercialization and modernizing critical infrastructure. Ongoing reforms and renewed international engagement are creating opportunities for companies able to provide capital, technology and technical expertise.

The timing is particularly significant as several UK and European energy companies continue to strengthen their presence in Venezuela. UK-based majors Shell and BP are advancing key natural gas developments, with Shell preparing for 2027 drilling at the Dragon offshore gas project and BP signing agreements in April to develop the Cocuina-Manakin offshore gas field, marking its return to the Venezuelan market. Spain’s Repsol recently announced plans to increase production from its Venezuelan assets, while Italy’s Eni is relaunching a heavy crude project in the Orinoco Belt. France’s Maurel & Prom, meanwhile, remains a key partner in strategic assets such as the Urdaneta Oeste field. On the trading and commercialization front, Geneva-headquartered energy trader Vitol has renewed its engagement with Venezuelan crude exports, reflecting broader international interest in reconnecting the country’s resources with global markets.

Against this backdrop, the London Industry Showcase will highlight Venezuela’s re-emerging investment potential while creating a platform for strategic networking and direct engagement with government leaders, national energy companies, regulators and private sector partners.

The event is expected to attract representatives from investment funds, export credit agencies, commercial banks, private equity firms, commodity traders, engineering companies, technology providers and UK-based independent energy companies exploring opportunities across Venezuela’s energy value chain.

The showcase will also provide an exclusive preview of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, including ministerial dialogues, executive forums, technical conferences and dedicated business-to-business networking sessions designed to connect international investors with the decision-makers shaping the country’s energy future.

Taking place on October 26–29, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela Energy Week serves as the country’s premier platform for advancing investment across the oil, gas and power sectors. By bringing the conversation to London – one of the world’s leading financial and energy centers – the Industry Showcase builds momentum ahead of the flagship event while strengthening ties between international capital and one of the world’s most resource-rich energy markets.

To participate in the London Industry Showcase on July 30 or secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com to learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/3RKKqfz).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Events

October 2-4, 2026, Announced as New Date for the Inaugural Alamein Africa Forum

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The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time

The Government of Egypt and the African Union Commission alongside other key stakeholders and partners are pleased to announce new dates for the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (www.AlameinForum.com).

 

The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time.

The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum will now be held between October 2-4, 2026, in Alamein, Egypt following consultations between the relevant stakeholders. It will be held in parallel with the African Union mid-year Summit which will take place in Alamein on 4 October 2026.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for your understanding, flexibility and continued support.

The Forum presents a unique opportunity to engage key policy makers, including African Heads of State and Government, as well as senior leaders from finance, industry and institutional investors to advance Africa’s private sector agenda.

Additional information regarding accommodation and logistics as well as the Forum programme will be made available on the Forum website as soon as next week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alamein Africa Forum.

 

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Energy

Arise News Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Official Media Partner, Amplifying Africa’s Energy Investment Dialogue

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Arise News

Pan-African news platform Arise News will support African Energy Week 2026 by expanding coverage of the continent’s energy transformation, investment opportunities and industry-defining conversations

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 20, 2026/APO Group/ –African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 has welcomed Arise News as an Official Media Partner, strengthening the event’s mission to connect Africa’s energy sector with global investors, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners.

 

As one of Africa’s leading pan-African media platforms, Arise News provides comprehensive coverage of the political, economic and business developments shaping the continent. Through its broadcast, digital and multimedia platforms, the network reaches audiences across Africa and internationally, bringing greater visibility to the decisions, partnerships and investments driving Africa’s growth.

The collaboration with AEW 2026 reflects a shared commitment to connecting industry developments with audiences across the continent and beyond

The partnership with AEW 2026 will support broader coverage of the continent’s energy agenda, highlighting the opportunities emerging across oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure development and energy access. Through interviews, event coverage and industry insights, Arise News will spotlight the stakeholders working to advance Africa’s energy security while attracting the capital and expertise required to unlock the continent’s resources.

Africa’s energy sector is entering a defining period of investment and development, with countries advancing major gas monetization projects, expanding LNG capacity, accelerating renewable energy deployment and strengthening power systems to support industrial growth. From offshore exploration in West Africa and emerging gas markets in East Africa to regional electricity interconnections and new energy infrastructure, governments are increasingly focused on converting natural resources into economic growth, energy security and wider access to reliable power.

Unlocking this potential will require significant capital, technology and partnerships across the energy value chain. AEW 2026 will serve as a central platform for these discussions, convening energy ministers, national oil companies, international operators, investors, financial institutions and service providers to advance commercial opportunities and highlight the projects shaping Africa’s energy future. ​

“With Arise News bringing greater visibility to the policies, partnerships and investment opportunities driving Africa’s energy transformation, the collaboration with AEW 2026 reflects a shared commitment to connecting industry developments with audiences across the continent and beyond while promoting informed dialogue around Africa’s energy development, investment potential and economic growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Arise News joins a growing network of media partners supporting AEW 2026, including CNBC Africa, News Central, African Business, Argus Media, ESI Africa, African Mining Market, African Energy and Prospect, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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