Absa, in collaboration with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) have announced the top 20 finalists advancing to the next stage of the MEST Africa Challenge 2025.
This year, the Challenge took place across eight of Absa’s nine Regional Operations (ARO) markets: Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Ghana. All eight markets are represented in the top 20, highlighting the continent-wide reach of entrepreneurial talent.
“Our partnership with MEST Africa and participation in the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 reflects Absa’s commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and building more accessible, relevant financial solutions. We’re proud to mark this milestone, and congratulations to the top 20 finalists and to all applicants,” said Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations (ARO), Retail and Business Banking.
“The quality of submissions has been exceptional, showcasing the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial drive across Africa. These ventures are tackling real challenges and creating pathways for more inclusive economic growth.”
The shortlisted finalists are addressing a wide range of themes. These include Digital Financial Inclusion and Alternative Lending, Seamless Digital Experiences, AI, Data and Fraud Prevention, Digital Payments, and InsureTech.
“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.”
From Uganda, the finalists include;
- 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.