Zenith Bank has announced the winners of its 2025 Zecathon, awarding a total prize pool of N140 million to innovators in Nigeria’s technology sector. The initiative, part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering digital entrepreneurship, attracted hundreds of participants across multiple categories, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, and edtech.
The top prize of N50 million was awarded to a startup focused on blockchain-enabled supply chain solutions, recognized for its potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigerian commerce. The second prize of N30 million went to a healthtech platform offering AI-driven diagnostics for rural healthcare providers, while the third prize of N20 million was claimed by an agritech venture using IoT sensors to optimize irrigation and crop yields.
Additional cash prizes and mentorship packages were distributed to 10 other finalists, each receiving between N2 million and N5 million to scale their operations. Zenith Bank’s Chief Innovation Officer emphasized that the Zecathon is designed to identify and support high-impact ventures that can address pressing socio-economic challenges in Africa.
The 2025 edition saw a 40% increase in applications compared to the previous year, reflecting growing interest in tech-driven solutions across Nigeria. Participants underwent a rigorous selection process, including pitch presentations to a panel of industry experts, investors, and government representatives.
Beyond financial rewards, winners will gain access to Zenith Bank’s digital infrastructure, business development resources, and networking opportunities with potential partners. The bank also plans to host follow-up workshops to assist finalists in refining their business models and expanding market reach.
The Zecathon aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to harness technology for economic diversification and job creation. By investing in early-stage startups, Zenith Bank aims to accelerate innovation that can drive sustainable growth across the continent.
