Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon for African Innovators 2025

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.

• Table of Content
• About Zenith Bank
• Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon
• Aim and Benefits of Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon

Aim and Benefits of Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon

• 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

Interview date, Process and Venue for Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition/Hackathon

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.

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 webpage