Zenith Bank has announced the launch of the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0, a major innovation challenge designed to drive Africa’s digital transformation by bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary innovators. The programme is aimed at empowering startups and creators to turn bold technological ideas into real-world solutions, reflecting the bank’s growing focus on entrepreneurship funding opportunities across the continent.
According to the organisers, the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 is Africa’s premier innovation challenge and is hosted by Zenith Bank Plc in partnership with Beyond Limits. The initiative supports early-stage startups and developers with funding, mentorship, and incubation to help them scale up their innovations. “This challenge is designed to empower visionary innovators with the right resources to transform bold tech ideas into scalable, real-world solutions,” the organisers stated.
The programme is open to innovations across several technology sectors including fintech, agritech, healthtech, embedded finance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technology fields. It is structured as a startup competition and innovation challenge, combining both funding and incubation opportunities.
Eligibility for participation requires applicants to be early-stage African startups with a registered business entity. They must also be operating within one or more of the listed focus sectors, have developed a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with some market traction, and demonstrate a scalable business model with strong growth potential.
Selection will be based on innovation, market relevance, scalability, potential impact, team capability, and execution strategy. Organisers explained that shortlisted startups will go through several stages, including evaluation, pitching, and incubation phases before the final winners are chosen.
The competition is open to innovators from all African countries, with activities hosted both online and at select physical venues in Nigeria coordinated by Zenith Bank and Beyond Limits. Multiple startups are expected to emerge as winners, sharing a total prize pool of ₦140 million.
In addition to the cash prizes, selected startups will receive incubation and acceleration support, mentorship from industry experts, access to investors, and continental visibility through Zenith Bank’s extensive network. The organisers confirmed that the Zecathon 5.0 will run through several stages over the coming months.
Interested startups can apply by visiting the official Zecathon portal Link, completing the application form, and submitting all required documents before October 31, 2025.