The Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon for young African Innovators (₦140 million in total cash prizes) Deadline: 31 October, 2025
Applications are now open for the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0. Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 brings together developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary innovators to drive Africa’s digital transformation. This flagship innovation challenge features two unique programs designed to empower startups and creators to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.
The 2025 Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair is Africa’s stage for bold innovators shaping the future. This year, it highlights Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging technologies transforming industries across the continent. The program identifies, nurtures, and accelerates startups across Fintech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, E-commerce, and beyond, offering continental visibility, mentorship, and growth resources to scale with impact. Zenith Bank empowers African innovators to dream bigger, move faster, and turn visionary ideas into real-world solutions.
Program Structure
This competition seeks to elevate startups innovating in these critical sectors:
Phase 1
Startup Pitch Competition
Showcase your startup’s innovation and compete for cash prizes.
Phase 2
Incubation Program
Top 5 finalists move into an intensive incubation program to refine their business models and strategies for scalable growth over six weeks, beginning shortly after the pitch competition.
Prizes for Competition Winners
- 1st Place: ₦30,000,000
- 2nd – 5th Place: ₦10,000,000 each
These cash prizes offer finalists the capital they need to take their ventures to the next level.
Cash Prizes
Top 5 startups to win 70 million: ₦30 million to the 1st place, and 4 other finalists receive ₦10 million.
Investor Access and Mentorship
Connect with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and experts, opening doors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.
Strategic Resources
Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.
Networking and Exposure
Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.
Growth Opportunities
Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.
Benefits
-
- Compete for ₦140 million in total cash prizes
- Showcase your talent and ideas on a continental stage
- Access mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities
- Collaborate with Africa’s brightest innovators
- Turn your ideas into real-world impact
App Deadline: 31 October, 2025
For More Information:
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY
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