The MEST Incubator home to Saya Mobile, Dropify, and Adsbrook is now accepting applications from student entrepreneurs from Nigeria. Before now, MEST’s activities have been somewhat restricted to its home country but no more as its now offering a sponsored 2-year training for aspiring African tech entrepreneurs from both Ghana and Nigeria.
The decision to open their program to Nigerians as is attested to by Katie Sarro, Director of Business Development at MEST is commendable:
“Nigeria has proven to be an attractive move for multinational tech giants and start-up accelerators and incubators alike.The world’s seventh most populous nation today, 28% of Forbes’ 40 richest African entrepreneurs hail from Nigeria, while the country’s recently released GDP figures make it the largest economy in Africa, surpassing South Africa, and solidifying it as one of the largest economies in the world today. Even more telling and relevant for high tech startups is the fact that nearly 90% of households in Nigeria own a mobile phone and reports show that the country will be a global leader in mobile payment adoption by 2017.”
It became important that the MEST programme extend to Nigeria, says Sarro “in order for us to grow and to provide the most competitive environment for our students. Nigeria has a vibrant and growing middle class of consumers, a fast-moving economy and a youthful population that craves and consumes the latest technology. Our startups will now have immediately access a much wider market, which will translate into higher growth opportunities. We’re also very excited about the energy that this exciting blend will bring to the organization. Beyond that, there are far more opportunities for localization and we’re working with a partner in the region that will help push that forward.”
Are you eligible to apply?
Nigerian-based mobile app developers, designers, tech geeks, programmers and other stakeholders passionate about software and entrepreneurship can apply to the MEST incubator. It is important to have completed your NYSC and should be ready to relocate to Accra, Ghana. Deadline for applications is June 15 so you want to start your application as soon as possible.
