Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s top banking institutions, has now opened applications for Zecathon 5.0, its annual startup pitch competition with a ₦70 million cash award package for early-stage African startups.
The Zenith Tech Fair, which will be held in November 2025, will feature a competition challenging startups to create tech solutions for pressing African issues in sectors like payments, lending, education, health, agriculture, cybersecurity, retail, and e-commerce.
Now in its fifth edition, Zecathon has become a premier destination for discovering and empowering future innovators. It is designed to aid those startups that are still building their products or testing the market, giving them a special chance to raise capital, receive mentorship, and engage with potential investors and corporate partners.
The application closes on October 31, 2025, after which finalists will pitch their ideas live at the tech fair. The grand prize is ₦30 million, while four runners-up will each receive ₦10 million. The remaining funds will support future festival innovation projects.
Zenith Bank affirms its commitment to fostering economic growth and inclusion by supporting innovative startups and bridging the gap between them and the broader financial system.
Zecathon is a platform for early-stage builders
Zecathon invites early-stage startups, those with a functional solution or minimally viable product and need capital or technology assistance to scale. The program is designed in partnership with Beyond Limits Global, a firm that has helped shape Zecathon into a successful business concept development platform.
The shortlisted contestants will be offered mentorship and business development training before the final pitch. The training will help them solidify their business models, learn about market opportunities, as well as how to achieve long-term investments.
Zecathon finalists have a track record of securing funding and partnerships with corporations and investors met through the program. The annual tech fair also offers participants significant exposure within Nigeria’s burgeoning technology sector, attracting thousands of attendees.
Zenith Bank fosters innovation to advance digital transformation in Africa by investing in technological solutions that expand access to financial services and support entrepreneurs developing digital products.
Why this is important to early-stage startups
For many African founders, getting capital and visibility at the early stage remains a major challenge. Programs like Zecathon help solve this problem by connecting startups to funding and experienced mentors who can guide their growth.
The ₦70 million prize money provides a direct boost to startups that are trying to scale their products or reach more users, and the publicity of the fair opens doors to partners who can help them scale further.
This initiative reflects a broader trend of Nigerian banks investing in innovation to foster more inclusive financial systems. As technology transforms work, business, and access to credit, platforms like Zecathon empower young entrepreneurs to create solutions with both local and global reach.
Read also: Zenith Bank’s Zecathon Returns for 4th Edition with Over ₦70 Million Cash Prizes
With applications now open, startups across Africa have the chance to take part in one of the continent’s most anticipated innovation events, one that could mark the beginning of their journey toward scale and sustainability.
Zecathon 5.0: How to apply and what to expect at the event
Startups that are interested in participating in Zecathon 5.0 can apply through the official Zecathon website provided by the organisers. Applications are open to African founders working on innovative, tech-based solutions in sectors such as payments, health, education, and agriculture.
To qualify, applicants must have a functional product or prototype and demonstrate how their solution addresses a real problem that affects consumers or businesses in Africa. The application process is fully online, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase.
Zenith Tech Fair 2025 in Lagos will host the final pitch, featuring panel discussions, product showcases, and networking sessions connecting startups with investors and regulators. The event will explore technology’s impact on key industries and its role in fostering economic growth.
Pitch competition winners will be announced at the end of the fair, receiving funding and post-event mentorship. Beyond cash prizes, participants will gain valuable media visibility and investor interest, strengthening their business structures.
