About this opportunity
Zenith Bank has opened applications for the sixth edition of Zecathon, its flagship innovation challenge for African startups and tech builders. The 2026 Startup Pitch Competition track is specifically designed for growth stage ventures that have proven product market fit and are ready to scale across the continent.
This edition brings together founders and their teams to showcase real solutions across critical sectors, from Fintech and AgriTech to HealthTech, ClimateTech, e-commerce and transportation. The competition pairs continental visibility with meaningful resources, offering prize money, mentorship, and a path to follow on funding through investor connections.
Five finalists will share a total prize pool of 90 million naira, with the winner taking 35 million naira. Beyond the cash prizes, the top semi-finalists gain access to a three month incubation programme that starts in January 2027, providing structured coaching, introductions to strategic partners, and the kind of ecosystem support that helps early growth companies scale with confidence.
Applications are free. Startups that have a registered business entity, a live product, market traction and a scalable model are encouraged to apply before the 13 October 2026
Application timeline
What you receive
- Share of 90 million naira in cash prizes across the top five startups
- Direct access to investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and sector experts
- Leadership development and strategic mentorship
- Three month incubation programme starting January 2027
- Networking and exposure through corporate events and pitch sessions
- Business partnerships and co-development opportunities with market access
Who can apply
- The startup must be growth stage with a scalable business model
- A registered business entity is required
- The startup must have a market ready product or service
- Market traction must be demonstrated through customer adoption, revenue or clear market demand
- The startup must operate in one or more of the competition focus sectors
- Open to African startups
Who should not apply
- Pre product or idea stage startups without a market ready solution are not eligible
- Startups without a registered business entity cannot apply
Documents to prepare
- Details of the startup and its registered business entity
- Founder profile for each team member
- Description of the business solution and the problem it addresses
- Evidence of market traction such as customer numbers, revenue or user growth
- Description of impact the startup is creating
How to apply
- Prepare a clear picture of your startup: what the product does, who it serves, how it has grown, and why it matters in your sector.
- Open the Zecathon 6.0 Business Pitch Competition application form on the official page and complete all required fields.
- Provide your founder profile, startup details, business solution and impact information.
- Submit before the closing date of 13 October 2026.
Selection process
- Semi-finalists announced on 19 October 2026
- Semi-final pitch competition held on 26 October 2026
- Final pitch day on 28 October 2026
- Incubation programme runs from January 2027 for selected semi-finalists
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Is there an application fee?
No, applications are completely free.
What does the incubation programme involve?
Semi-finalists gain access to a three month incubation programme starting January 2027 with tailored training, mentorship and introductions to investors and ecosystem stakeholders.
Can a startup outside Nigeria apply?
Yes, the competition is open to growth stage African startups, not only Nigerian ones.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
