Johannesburg, South Africa | Two Ugandan startups, Credify Africa Inc. and Kanzu Finance Ltd, have made it to the Top 10 finalists of the prestigious MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025. The competition, organized by Absa Bank in partnership with the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa), recognizes and supports emerging startups that are shaping Africa’s digital and financial future.
After two days of rigorous judging held on October 28 and 29, the finalists were selected from hundreds of entries across the continent. The chosen ventures represent the most dynamic early-stage tech startups driving innovation in FinTech and financial inclusion across Africa.
According to Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Technology at Absa Regional Operations, the Challenge reflects Absa’s commitment to advancing innovation in financial services.
“Our ambition is to reimagine financial services through technology, and the innovations presented by these FinTechs showcase what’s possible,” Dutuma said. “Many of these solutions have the potential to enhance customer experience, drive efficiency, and accelerate transformation. We’re excited about forming meaningful partnerships that deliver value at scale.”
Now in its latest edition, the MEST Africa Challenge has deepened its reach across eight of Absa’s markets, emphasizing FinTech solutions that foster financial inclusion, access to digital tools, and customer-centric innovation.
Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor and MAC Lead at MEST Africa, noted the growing impact of the Challenge:
“Each year, the Challenge grows not only in reach but in the depth of innovation it attracts. The Top 10 exemplify the kind of purposeful innovation driving Africa’s next wave of growth.”
Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations, Retail and Business Banking, also praised the diversity of the finalists’ ideas.
“From AI-driven insights to seamless payments, these solutions show how technology can unlock access, efficiency, and financial inclusion. Digital innovation has become an imperative for Africa’s financial sector,” he said.
The grand finale will take place on November 26, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, where the overall winner will receive a USD $50,000 seed equity investment and an opportunity to collaborate with Absa to bring their innovation to a larger market.
“At Absa, every story matters,” Chatikobo added. “Through this Challenge, we’re proud to witness the journeys of these founders and the impact they’re creating. Each FinTech represents a unique vision for Africa’s future.”
Top 10 Finalists – MEST Africa Challenge 2025
- mystocks.africa (Botswana)
- Credify Africa Inc (Uganda)
- Logistify AI (Kenya)
- Kutana Technologies Ltd (Ghana)
- Investa Farm (Kenya)
- Black Swan (Mauritius)
- Mighty Finance Solution Inc (Zambia)
- Devdraft AI (Zambia)
- Kanzu Finance Ltd (Uganda)
- Farmsky (Kenya)