MEST Africa has launched the MEST AI Startup Program, inviting applications to train and support Africa’s tech talents in creating AI startups.

• The program is a fully-funded, seven-month immersive experience in Accra, Ghana, culminating in a chance for startups to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100,000.
• Key person involved: Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program, emphasized that Africa's tech talent is primed to develop AI solutions for global users.
• The program targets African founders aged 21-30 with software development experience, aiming to empower them in the burgeoning AI industry.

A recent hackathon highlighted the creativity of African students in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address agricultural challenges. The Africa AI Literacy Week Hackathon brought together 50 university students from across Africa to develop AI solutions for real-world agricultural issues.

• Winning team developed an AI platform for predicting market prices for agricultural goods, aiding smallholder farmers.
• Dr. Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala, emphasized the importance of fostering local innovation through AI.
• Second-place teams created an AI chatbot for farm guidance and an Augmented Reality app to optimize farm infrastructure.

Ecobank Group has partnered with Google Cloud to accelerate financial inclusion and digital transformation across Africa’s banking sector through artificial intelligence innovations. This collaboration, announced on July 2, 2025, aims to enhance banking services in over 33 African countries.

• The digital payments market in Africa is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030.
• Ecobank Group CEO Jeremy Awori described the partnership as "a leap forward in Ecobank’s digital transformation journey."
• The initiative will leverage Google Cloud’s technologies to simplify cross-border and domestic money transfers, addressing the fact that nearly half of Africa’s adult population lacks digital financial solutions.
• The partnership will enhance access to finance for SMEs, which account for more than 50% of Africa’s GDP.