Zenith Bank has awarded N140 million to ten African innovators at the fifth edition of its Tech Fair, reinforcing its commitment to empowering technology-driven solutions and fostering innovation across the continent. The event, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and drew over 2,000 participants from across Africa, including developers, entrepreneurs, and startup founders.
The Tech Fair featured a dual-competition structure, comprising a Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures. Trust Loop and Cubbes Technologies Limited emerged as the top winners, each receiving N30 million for their groundbreaking solutions: Trust Loop for its seamless digital KYC and liveness verification platform, and Cubbes Technologies for its AI-powered EdTech solution designed to enhance learning and career readiness. Eight other finalists across both competitions received N10 million each in non-dilutive funding and will participate in a six-week mentorship and incubation programme to further scale their businesses.
The event showcased the transformative potential of advanced technologies, including Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing, demonstrating their role in driving economic growth and digital innovation. Keynote speakers included the Managing Director of M-PESA Africa, the co-creator of Skype, and the Chief Technologist for AWS covering Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, who shared insights into scaling businesses, leveraging technology, and driving continental impact.
In addition to the competitions, the fair hosted masterclasses led by global consulting and technology leaders, including McKinsey, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft. These sessions provided participants with world-class knowledge on cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and disruptive technologies, equipping them with practical skills and insights to develop globally competitive products and services. Panel discussions, moderated by CNN anchor Zain Asher, featured innovators and business leaders from across Africa, providing advice on entrepreneurship, scaling startups, and building robust digital ecosystems.
Zenith Bank’s leadership emphasized the importance of nurturing Africa’s tech ecosystem. The Group Managing Director/CEO highlighted that the Tech Fair is designed not just to reward innovation, but to create opportunities that enable African innovators to translate ideas into scalable, impactful solutions. The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank reinforced this vision, noting that empowering young Africans through technology could produce the next generation of global tech leaders.
The fair was also recognized as a platform for advancing Nigeria’s position as a technology hub, offering a bridge between local innovators and international investors. The Governor of Lagos State encouraged initiatives like the Tech Fair, highlighting Africa’s growing youth population and the need to provide opportunities for young talent to thrive.
Zenith Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting innovation alongside financial excellence, earning multiple accolades including Nigeria’s Best Bank, Best Corporate Governance Bank, and recognition in global rankings for sustainability, transparency, and technological leadership. Through initiatives like the Tech Fair, the bank ensures that African innovators have access to funding, mentorship, and global networks to scale solutions that drive economic growth, digital inclusion, and regional competitiveness.
The fifth edition of the Zenith Tech Fair marked a milestone in Africa’s innovation journey, showcasing the continent’s potential to leverage technology for socio-economic transformation. By providing financial support, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge tools, Zenith Bank continues to strengthen Africa’s technology ecosystem and position the next generation of innovators to lead on the global stage.
