Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon for young African Innovators | ₦140 million in total cash prizes
Are you ready to redefine the future of technology and innovation in Africa?
Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 is back — bigger, bolder, and more transformative than ever!
This flagship innovation challenge by Zenith Bank brings together developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary creators who are passionate about driving Africa’s digital and economic transformation.
Through Zecathon 5.0, participants get the opportunity to innovate, pitch, and scale groundbreaking ideas that can change industries and lives.
About the Program
The Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 features two unique programs designed to nurture and accelerate the continent’s most promising startups and tech innovators:
- Startup Pitch Competition: A high-stakes platform where startups pitch their ideas to top investors, mentors, and business leaders at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2025.
- Incubation Program: The top 5 finalists move into an intensive six-week program designed to refine business models, enhance products, and prepare for market scale-up.
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2025 Focus: AI & Emerging Technologies
This year’s edition shines a spotlight on Generative AI, Agentic AI, and other emerging technologies revolutionizing key industries across Africa — from FinTech and AgriTech to HealthTech, ClimateTech, and E-commerce.
Zecathon 5.0 aims to identify, support, and accelerate startups creating real-world impact and sustainable solutions that shape the future of Africa.
Why You Should Join Zecathon 5.0
- ₦140 Million in Total Cash Prizes
- Showcase your innovation on a continental stage
- Access mentorship from leading industry experts
- Collaborate with Africa’s brightest innovators
- Gain visibility, investor access, and growth opportunities
Zenith Bank empowers African innovators to dream bigger, move faster, and transform visionary ideas into global solutions.
Program Overview
- Type: Innovation & Startup Competition
- Organizer: Zenith Bank Plc
- Eligibility: Open to startups across African countries
- Deadline: 31st October, 2025
Program Phases
Phase 1 – Startup Pitch Competition
Pitch your solution to investors and industry leaders. The best innovations will be selected for cash prizes and further incubation.
Phase 2 – Incubation Program
Top 5 finalists undergo an intensive six-week program, receiving expert mentorship, technical support, and strategic guidance to refine and scale their startups.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:
- Be an early-stage African startup with a registered business entity.
- Operate within one or more focus sectors (FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, E-commerce, etc.).
- Have a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) showing initial market traction.
- Present a scalable business model with clear potential for growth and impact.
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Prizes and Benefits
Cash Prizes
- 1st Place: ₦30,000,000
- 2nd – 5th Place: ₦10,000,000 each
Total of ₦70 million in direct cash funding to fuel your startup’s next growth phase.
Investor Access & Mentorship
Gain exposure to investors, industry experts, and corporate leaders. Build valuable connections that can lead to follow-on funding and partnerships.
Strategic Resources
Receive training in:
- Product development
- Financial management
- Brand strategy
- Market positioning
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Networking & Exposure
Engage with top executives, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2025.
Growth & Acceleration
Collaborate with industry leaders, access technical resources, and leverage partnerships for co-development and market expansion.
Deadline: 31st October, 2025
Apply here
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