Zenith Bank has solidified its dedication to fostering technological innovation in Africa with the successful completion of the Fifth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, which took place on November 20, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. The event, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” awarded a whopping ₦140 million to ten innovative African startups during a highly competitive hackathon and pitch session.
The Tech Fair featured a dual-competition format that showcased talent across a Hackathon focused on product development and a Startup Pitch Competition designed for early-stage ventures. Over 2,000 contestants participated, demonstrating their solutions to a panel of judges composed of industry experts.
Major Winners and Finalist Recognition
The crowning glory of the event was the announcement of two major winners, each taking home ₦30 million. Trust Loop won the Hackathon for its innovative digital Know Your Customer (KYC) and liveness verification solution, while Cubbes Technologies Limited clinched the Startup Pitch Competition with its AI-powered EdTech platform aimed at enhancing learning and career readiness.
Eight other finalists, including Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam, and Zerax, were also celebrated, each receiving ₦10 million in non-dilutive funding. All ten finalists will further benefit from a six-week mentorship and incubation program, designed to cultivate their ideas into scalable businesses.
Empowering Young Innovators
Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, highlighted the urgency of innovation in her welcome address, emphasizing the rapid pace of technological advancement. “We stand ready to support you to turn your ideas into reality,” she stated. The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, reaffirmed the bank’s mission to empower young talent through technology, hoping to cultivate the next generation of tech giants in Africa.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed this sentiment, calling for enhanced technological empowerment initiatives. He emphasized the need to provide young people with opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, envisioning Lagos as the global hub of human capital development.
Insights and Masterclasses
The Tech Fair, praised as a resounding success, featured cutting-edge discussions on Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing, with keynote addresses from distinguished industry leaders. Additionally, exclusive masterclasses delivered by firms like McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft addressed crucial topics such as cybersecurity and advanced cloud solutions.
The event also included dual-panel sessions hosted by CNN’s Zain Asher, with discussions featuring high-profile speakers from across the tech world, providing participants with insights and networking opportunities.
Zenith Bank’s Commitment to Excellence
Zenith Bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technology has earned it numerous accolades, including recognition as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in 2025. The bank has consistently achieved top rankings in various national and international awards, including being recognized for its excellence in digital solutions, corporate governance, and sustainable banking practices.
As Zenith Bank continues to nurture a thriving ecosystem for innovation, it remains dedicated to equipping the next generation of African tech leaders with the necessary resources, mentorship, and capital needed to achieve global success.
