Deadline: October 31, 2025
Applications are open for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program 2025. The Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair is Africa’s stage for bold innovators shaping the future. This year, it highlights Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging technologies transforming industries across the continent.
The program identifies, nurtures, and accelerates startups across Fintech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, E-commerce, and beyond, offering continental visibility, mentorship, and growth resources to scale with impact. Zenith Bank empowers African innovators to dream bigger, move faster, and turn visionary ideas into real-world solutions.
Focus Areas
This competition seeks to elevate startups innovating in these critical sectors:
- Education
- Retails & Commerce
- Payments & Lending
- Cybersecurity
- Agriculture
- Health
- Transportation & Logistics
- FMCG
- Insurance
Benefits
- Cash Prizes: Top 5 startups to win 70 million: ₦30 million to the 1st place, and 4 other finalists receive ₦10 million.
- Investor Access and Mentorship: Connect with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and experts, opening doors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.
- Strategic Resources: Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.
- Networking and Exposure: Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.
- Growth Opportunities: Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:
- Be an early-stage African startups with a registered business entity
- Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors
- Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction
- Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential
Application
For more information, visit Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition.
