Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition 2025

Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Africa's premier innovation challenge for startups and tech innovators.

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.

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.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
2. Value: ₦70,000,000 total; 1st Place: ₦30,000,000, 2nd–5th Place: ₦10,000,000 each
3. Study Level: Entrepreneurs
4. Sponsor: Zenith Bank
5. Eligible Country: All African Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition 2025

To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:

1. Be an early-stage African startup with a registered business entity
2. Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors
3. Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction
4. Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your startup! Applications close on [31 October, 2025]

Benefits of Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition 2025

1. ₦70 million total cash prizes: 1st Place: ₦30,000,000; 2nd–5th Places: ₦10,000,000 each
2. Investor access and mentorship
3. Incubation program (6 weeks)
4. Business development resources
5. Networking and continental exposure
6. Strategic partnerships and growth support

How to Apply

1. Visit the official application portal
2. Complete the online registration form
3. Submit details about your product/MVP
4. Attach required documents (if requested)
5. Await selection updates
6. Program Stages:
7. Phase 1: Startup Pitch Competition
8. Phase 2: 6-week Incubation Program for Top 5 finalists

For more details, visit Zenith Bank Zecathon webpage

Application Deadline

October 31, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition 2025