Zenith Bank Tech Fair 5.0 Showcases Innovation, Awards ₦140 Million to Top African Tech Talents

Zenith Bank Tech Fair 5.0 showcased innovation and awarded ₦140 Million to Top African Tech Talents.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the fifth edition of the Zenith Tech Fair has concluded with a spectacular celebration of innovation, awarding ₦140 million in cash prizes to ten African innovators after an intense hackathon and startup pitch competition. The event, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” was held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s fair featured a dual-competition format, a high-stakes Hackathon for developers and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures. Over 2,000 contestants participated, with ten finalists emerging from the Zecathon to secure funding.

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Two category champions earned the top prize of ₦30 million each.

• Trust Loop won the Hackathon for its seamless digital KYC and liveness verification innovation.
• Cubbes Technologies Limited clinched first place in the Startup Pitch Competition for its AI-driven EdTech platform designed to transform learning and career readiness.

The remaining eight finalists which include: Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam, and Zerax each received ₦10 million in non-dilutive funding. All finalists will participate in a six-week incubation and mentorship programme running from December 2025 to February 2026.

Leadership Praises Innovation Drive

 

In her welcome address, Zenith Bank Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, attributed the fair’s success to the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR. She noted that rapid technological advancement makes innovation more urgent than ever, adding that the event is poised to produce global change-makers.

Dr. Ovia, in his goodwill message, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering African youth through technology, expressing hope that the continent will one day produce tech giants in the mould of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also delivered a goodwill message, urging continued investment in tech-driven opportunities for young Africans. He envisioned Lagos becoming a global human capital hub capable of developing millions of tech experts.

Cutting-Edge Insights and Masterclasses

This year’s fair featured keynote addresses by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit (MD, M-PESA Africa), Jonas Kjellberg (Co-creator, Skype), and Dr. Shivagami Gugan (Chief Technologist, AWS METAP). Top-tier organisations including McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft delivered exclusive masterclasses on cybersecurity, disruptive technologies, and advanced cloud infrastructure.

The event also hosted interactive panel sessions moderated by CNN Anchor Zain Asher, featuring leading voices in Africa’s tech ecosystem such as Adaora Nwodo, Aisha Tofa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Gary Fowler, and senior executives from CBN and international fintech firms. Nigerian artiste Spyro added excitement with a thrilling musical performance.

Zenith Bank’s Award-Winning Legacy

Zenith Bank continues to cement its leadership in the financial sector, with multiple international recognitions including:
• Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital (sixteen consecutive years)
• “Nigeria’s Best Bank” — Euromoney Awards 2025
• Numerous Best Bank, Corporate Governance, Innovation, and Sustainability awards from global institutions

The bank remains committed to building a thriving innovation ecosystem and empowering Africa’s next generation of tech leaders with the resources, capital, and mentorship needed for global impact.