MEST Africa, a pan-African incubator dedicated to nurturing early-stage tech entrepreneurs, recently hosted its latest Guest Lecture Series, featuring a lineup of alumni, tech executives, and mentors who shared their journeys and insights with current Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs).
Held at the MEST campus in Accra, the event reinforced the program’s vital role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Among the speakers was Samuel Darko, a 2009 graduate and current Vice President at an international consulting firm. Darko reflected on his time at MEST, emphasizing, “The most valuable lesson I learned was recognizing that I could compete at a global level, and that belief has guided my career.”
Also addressing the participants was Eric Nsarkoh, Head of Engineering at a leading financial institution, who stressed the importance of relationships in personal and professional growth. “My journey has been defined by the people I met along the way,” he said. “Research, validate your passions, trust your instincts, and evolve continuously.”
Another highlight was the session led by Omogbolahan Alli, Vice President of Developer Relations at a major blockchain company, who shared practical advice on leadership and innovation. Drawing from his experience leading multi-million dollar tech projects that trained thousands of young Africans in emerging technologies, he urged the EITs to prioritize resilience and adaptability.
“Embrace failure as part of the process. Fail fast, learn faster, and keep moving forward,” he advised. “True innovation isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum.”
He also encouraged the future entrepreneurs to build supportive communities, stressing the importance of helping others grow alongside their personal achievements.
The Guest Lecture Series forms part of MEST Africa’s ongoing efforts to prepare young innovators for the realities of the tech world. Over the years, the institution has contributed to the creation of more than 80 startups and supported the training of hundreds of entrepreneurs across Africa.
For the current trainees, the event served not only as an educational experience but as a call to pursue excellence. One participant remarked, “Hearing directly from those who’ve succeeded shows us that the path is real and achievable.”
