Zenith Bank launches Zecathon 5.0 with N140m Prize for African innovation

Zenith Bank Plc has launched Zecathon 5.0, the fifth edition of its flagship startup competition and innovation program, aimed at accelerating digital solutions and fostering groundbreaking ideas across Africa’s fintech and emerging tech sectors.

Boasting a substantial N140 million prize pool, this year’s initiative introduces a high-impact Hackathon alongside its renowned Startup Pitch Competition, solidifying Zenith Bank’s commitment to driving the continent’s digital transformation.

The Zecathon 5.0 program targets innovation in critical sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), insurance, education, retail and e-commerce, payments, lending, cybersecurity, agriculture, health, and logistics.

By creating a dynamic ecosystem, the initiative brings together developers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to collaborate, compete, and craft solutions that address real-world challenges and reshape the future of banking and business in Africa.

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“This is a bold step forward in empowering innovators,” said Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc. “Zecathon 5.0 is more than a competition—it’s a platform where dreamers and founders can build transformative solutions. By integrating a full-scale hackathon with our startup pitch and incubation program, we’re fostering collaboration and innovation that will drive Africa’s digital economy.”

The Hackathon challenges participants to design cutting-edge fintech and digital products, while the Startup Pitch Competition highlights scalable ventures with the potential to solve pressing industry problems.

Winners in each category will receive N30 million, with four additional finalists per category awarded N10 million each. Beyond funding, all finalists will benefit from a six-week intensive incubation program designed to refine their ideas and accelerate market entry.