Zenith Bank has officially opened applications for Zecathon 5.0, its flagship innovation challenge that has become one of Africa’s most anticipated platforms for emerging tech talent. The call is clear: apply before October 31, 2025, for a chance to win from a massive ₦140 million prize pool, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and secure a place among the startups shaping the continent’s digital future.
This year, the Zecathon extends beyond Nigeria, with Ghana as one of the main hubs. Free applications across Africa are currently ongoing at https://beyondlimits.global/zecathon5/, and will close on October 31, 2025.
Beyond Competition: A Full Innovation Journey
Building on the success of Zecathon 4.0’s ₦77.5 million competition last year, Zecathon 5.0 introduces a bold new three-part format designed to deepen innovation and collaboration.
The Hackathon makes its debut, bringing together developers and innovators to design cutting-edge fintech and banking solutions. The winner will take home ₦30 million, while four finalists will each receive ₦10 million, along with opportunities to collaborate with Zenith Bank’s innovation team and participate in the incubation program.
The Startup Pitch Competition remains the platform for high-potential startups to showcase scalable solutions that address real-world challenges. The winner will also receive ₦30 million, while four other finalists will each get ₦10 million, plus exposure to investors, mentorship from industry leaders, and strategic partnership opportunities.
All finalists from both the Hackathon and Pitch Competition will then enter a six-week incubation program, gaining mentorship, business development guidance, and access to investors. In total, ₦140 million in cash prizes will be awarded (double last year’s amount) to fuel the growth of Nigeria’s brightest innovators.
Driving Innovation Across Sectors
Zecathon 5.0 continues to drive innovation in sectors that define Africa’s digital transformation. From FMCG, where startups are digitizing consumer experiences, to Insurance, where innovators are building accessible, tech-driven coverage solutions, the competition celebrates technology as a force for everyday progress. In Education, it’s about reimagining how people learn and connect; in Retail and E-commerce, it’s about driving more innovative digital sales ecosystems.
In Payments and Lending, Zecathon 5.0 seeks bold, secure, and scalable financial ideas, while Cybersecurity innovators are challenged to build stronger data protection systems. The Agriculture category focuses on smart, efficient farming tools, while Healthtech founders aim to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Finally, Transportation and Logistics innovators will explore ways to make mobility and delivery systems more efficient and intelligent.
Building on Momentum
Last year’s edition, Zecathon 4.0, attracted over 1,500 applicants and delivered remarkable success stories. One of them is JumpnPass, the self-checkout technology startup that emerged overall winner with ₦25 million, alongside CreditChek and Salad Africa, who secured ₦20 million and ₦15 million respectively.
“Zecathon is not just a competition, it’s a catalyst for change,” said Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc. “Through this platform, we continue to empower founders and developers who are shaping Nigeria’s economic and digital future. This year’s edition goes beyond inspiration. It’s about creating sustainable impact.”
Eligibility and Application
For Startups (Pitch Competition):
● Must be an early-stage African startup with a registered business entity.
● Operate in at least one of the listed focus sectors.
● Have a viable product (MVP) with early market traction.
● Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential.
For Hackathon Teams:
● Team size: 2–4 individuals aged 20–35.
● Focus on solving real challenges in banking and digital finance.
Startups and innovators across Africa are invited to apply for free at https://beyondlimits.global/zecathon5/
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
