Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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N30M (1st) + N10M each (2nd-5th) = N70M total for Startup Pitch; N140M combined with Hackathon track (~$90K USD total)
One of Nigeria's largest startup competitions by prize value. Part of Zenith Bank's annual Tech Fair (Beyond Limits). Two tracks: Startup Pitch Competition (N70M for top 5) and Innovation Hackathon (N70M for top 5). Zecathon 5.0 (2025/2026) deployed N140M total. Winners also receive a six-week intensive incubation programme.
1st Place Prize
N30,000,000 (~$19K USD)
2nd-5th Place Prizes
N10,000,000 each (~$6.5K USD each)
Incubation Programme
Six-week intensive incubation for top 5 covering business model refinement and growth strategies
Investor Access
Connections to investors, corporate leaders, and Zenith Bank's business network
Mentorship
Strategic mentorship and technical support
Visibility
Showcase at Zenith Tech Fair attended by thousands including Lagos State Governor
Fintech / Payments & Lending
Digital financial services, payment solutions, and lending platforms
EdTech
Educational technology and learning platforms
HealthTech
Digital health and healthcare innovation
AgriTech
Agricultural technology and food systems
E-commerce & Retail
Digital commerce and retail innovation
FMCG
Fast-moving consumer goods innovation
Insurance
Insurtech and insurance innovation
Cybersecurity
Digital security solutions
Transportation & Logistics
Mobility and logistics technology
Early-stage Nigerian/African startups with working products demonstrating real market traction. Strong emphasis on scalable business models in sectors aligned with Zenith Bank's strategic interests (fintech, payments, cybersecurity). The competition values founders who can pitch compellingly on a live stage.
Six-week intensive incubation programme covering business model refinement, scalable growth strategies, technical support, and market entry guidance. Access to Zenith Bank's corporate and investor network. Ongoing mentorship from industry leaders.
Nigeria-only historically but 5.0 was described as the first pan-African edition. One of the biggest cash prizes for Nigerian startups — N30M for first place. Application window is very short (~4 weeks in Oct-Nov). The Zenith Tech Fair draws senior Nigerian business leaders and the Lagos State Governor — the networking value is significant beyond the cash prize. Fintech startups have a natural advantage given Zenith Bank's core business.
2022
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Cubbes (EdTech) — 2025 Zecathon 5.0 1st place, N30M; Venille — 2025 Zecathon 5.0 runner-up, N10M; Sowota — 2025 Zecathon 5.0 runner-up, N10M; Invopay — 2025 Zecathon 5.0 runner-up, N10M; Flow — 2025 Zecathon 5.0 runner-up, N10M; Jumpnpass — 2024 Zecathon 4.0 1st place, N25M; Creditchek — 2024 Zecathon 4.0 2nd place, N20M; Salad Africa — 2024 Zecathon 4.0 3rd place, N15M