MEST Africa Announces 12 EdTech Startups for Third Cohort of Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
MEST Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially announced the 12 EdTech startups selected for the third cohort (2026) of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana.
The announcement, highlights continued momentum in transforming education through technology, with a strong focus on inclusion, especially for underserved communities, young women, rural learners, and persons with disabilities.
About the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Fellowship is a six-month entrepreneurship acceleration programme designed to support promising Ghanaian EdTech ventures. It equips selected startups with critical business support, insights into the science of learning, and resources to scale sustainably while maximising educational impact.
Since its launch in Ghana in 2024, the programme has supported a total of 36 EdTech solutions (12 per cohort).
Impact so far (Cohorts 1 & 2 combined):
- Reached over 691,000 learners nationwide
- Impacted more than 337,000 young women
- Reached over 105,000 rural learners
- Supported nearly 20,000 persons with disabilities
The third cohort features startups operating across seven regions of Ghana, offering innovative solutions in areas such as:
- Teacher training
- Exam preparation
- School management systems
- Gamified learning tools
- And other tailored digital solutions addressing gaps in K-12, tertiary, and vocational education.
What the Selected Startups Receive
Over the next six months, the 12 fellows will benefit from:
- Comprehensive training and mentorship from education and innovation experts
- Up to $60,000 in equity-free funding per startup
- Access to a strong network of stakeholders in the education sector
After the intensive phase, participants will receive an additional one year of post-programme support to help them scale operations, improve impact measurement, and attract further investment.
Angela Duho, representative from MEST Africa, said:
“This milestone proves that high-quality digital education is no longer a distant goal but a present reality. It signals a major shift in how knowledge is delivered in the modern classroom.”
Wariko Waita, Director at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Mastercard Foundation, added:
“Technology is accelerating how education can reach those who have historically been excluded.”
Spotlight on the Third Cohort
While the full list of 12 startups was announced, specific details on all names are still emerging. The cohort includes innovative solutions such as:
- Robotek :Focused on robotics and hands-on STEM education
- Syllabus Gh :Likely supporting curriculum-aligned learning and exam preparation
- EduSpots :Community-driven digital learning initiatives
The remaining startups are delivering tech-enabled solutions for teacher professional development, school administration, gamified content, and inclusive learning tools for marginalised groups. Many operate in underserved and rural areas, aligning with the programme’s emphasis on equity and access.
MEST Africa, the non-profit arm of Meltwater established in 2008, has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in more than 90 startups across Africa. This Fellowship forms a key part of its mission to drive technology entrepreneurship for social good.
Why This Matters for Ghana’s Education Sector
Ghana continues to face challenges in providing quality, accessible education, particularly in rural communities and for girls. EdTech solutions supported through this Fellowship are helping bridge these gaps by offering scalable, affordable, and inclusive digital tools that complement traditional schooling.
The programme not only provides funding but also builds capacity in learning science, product development, and business sustainability preparing these startups to reach thousands more learners in the coming years.
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