MEST expands in key African markets
MEST has just announced a partnership with Mettā Nairobi to offer incubator space for Kenya-based MEST alumni, as part of efforts to strengthen its presence across the continent. MEST alumni in Nairobi will receive access to working space, events and Mettā’s global network.
In the past few years, MEST has expanded the recruitment for its training program beyond Ghana to include Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and, Ivory Coast. MEST has also invested in over 40 African startups. The Nairobi space will act as an extension of the flagship Accra incubator, offering support to graduates beyond the MEST training program.
“MEST's scope and resources for incubator companies and alumni has been focused on Pan-African expansion and scaling. This partnership with Metta only adds to that value proposition, enabling a clear network effect with a like-minded African ecosystem player that has global roots,” said Katie Sarro, MEST director of partnerships. “We're extremely excited to put our combined expertise together to support MEST alumni currently doing business in Nairobi or those looking to expand to East Africa in the near future.”
Mettā is a global entrepreneur network that connects people, ideas, and resources. So far, it has branches in Hong Kong and Nairobi.
In order to offer MEST companies and alumni a similar level of support to what they had at MEST Accra in their respective countries, MEST has doubled down on its expansion plans for its incubation arm to the rest of the continent. Additional incubator launches are planned in key African markets later in 2017.
