Technology is constantly changing the way we work, live, and manage our money. All over Africa young innovators are developing innovative tools to help make banking more efficient, safer, and more accessible.
To assist in this booming trend of innovation, Zenith Bank Plc has announced an initiative called the Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0, which is a top innovation contest designed to draw the brightest minds in Africa to tackle important technological and financial issues.
This year’s contest will invite startups, developers, students, and tech entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to improve the security of digital financial transactions, enhance security, and encourage sustainability. The contest offers a total prize pool of 20 million dollars and provides industry-specific guidance to help participants transform their innovative concepts into market-ready products that can boost Africa’s digital economy.
About the Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0
Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 is an annual innovation contest that requires young African people to develop technologically driven solutions that transform the financial and banking industry. Zenith Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Africa, hosts the event. Hackathons provide an opportunity for data scientists, developers, and entrepreneurs to work together and bring their fintech concepts to fruition.
This project aims to find the best talent, nurture them, and invest in the talent that could revolutionize the financial services. With the Hackathon Zenith Bank promotes digital transformation, financial inclusion, and sustainability—crucial aspects driving Africa’s technology revolution.
The 2025 edition is focused on the latest innovations that enhance cybersecurity, boost the digital banking experience, and enhance the user experience across all financial systems.
Purpose and Objectives
The principal purpose, which is the primary goal of Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0, is to stimulate innovation through problem-solving. Through involving Africa’s expanding community of entrepreneurs, coders, and creatives, the company seeks to create technologies that tackle real problems in the world of digital finance.
The goals are specific and include:
- Inspiring innovation in fintech as well as digital transformation
- Empowering youth by providing financial and technical assistance
- Financial inclusion is a priority for the populations that aren’t served.
- Promoting collaboration between established institutions and startups
- Helping to sustain technological ecosystems in Africa
Participants will be able to access the resources, guidance, and access to industry experts to help turn their concepts into successful companies.
Hackathon Overview
| Category | Details |
| Organizer | Zenith Bank Plc |
| Program Type | Technology and Innovation Challenge |
| Funding Amount | ₦70 million in cash prizes for the total award |
| Focus Areas | Fintech, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and digital banking |
| Eligibility | African developers, startups, students, and innovators |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
| Location | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Program Duration | Three days of competition and mentorship |
This program is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal participation for all of Africa’s rapidly growing tech community.
Focus Areas of Innovation
Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 is an opportunity for participants to design projects that address the major themes that will shape the future of technology and finance in Africa.
- Finance Technology (Fintech) Innovative Create apps or systems to simplify payment processes, enhance lending systems, or help microfinance and savings.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)—Build AI-powered tools to personalize banking experiences, identify fraud, or streamline the financial processes.
- Cybersecurity Enhance trust in digital transactions through the development of advanced security solutions that protect the privacy of users’ information and help prevent digital fraud.
- sustainability as well as green finance—design green financial models and techniques that promote sustainable economic growth.
- Digital Inclusion Create solutions to give people with low incomes and rural populations access to online banking.
Each of the focus areas reflects Zenith Bank’s dedication to driving innovations that have an impact on technology that can solve real-world problems and enhance lives.
Who Can Apply
Hackathon participants are Nigerian and African tech-savvy innovators who are passionate about finance and technology. The criteria for applicants are:
- Coders and software developers who have years of experience in fintech and mobile development
- Startups are developing digital tools.
- Students at universities studying engineering, computer science, or business discipline
- Designers and entrepreneurs dedicated to making financial services more accessible
The applicants can participate either individually or in a team comprising 2-4 people. We encourage teams that combine business and technical skills to provide the most balanced and scalable solutions.
Funding and Benefits
The Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 offers more than prizes. It provides a full ecosystem of innovation support that helps participants go from idea to commercialization.
Funding Support:
- The total prize pool is N70 million, divided among the teams with the highest performance.
- The prize is N10 million for the first-place winner.
- The team that earned N30 million was the 2nd-place team.
- The team that earned N10 million is the third-place team.
Additional Benefits:
- The opportunity to learn from experts in fintech and bank executives
- Opportunities to network with investors and industry leaders.
- Potential funding and partnership opportunities
- Media recognition and participation certificates
- Potentially, incubation assistance for promising projects
Its system of reward is designed to encourage not just competition but also collaboration as well as long-term innovations.
Application Process
It is easy and is open to all qualified candidates from across Africa.
Step 1: Registration
Candidates must go to the official registration site and fill out their online registration form. Each person or team should describe their solution and choose a focus region.
Step 2: Concept Submission
Requestors submit a brief summary of the project that outlines its concept, problem statement, intended market, and technology stack. The concept must demonstrate originality and value in practical terms.
Step 3: Shortlisting
The panel of judges will evaluate submissions and pick the best teams based on their innovation as well as feasibility and impact. Teams that are shortlisted will be invited to take part in the live hackathon held in Lagos.
Step 4: Final Presentation
During the hackathon, the participants will design prototypes, participate in workshops with mentors, and then present their ideas to a panel of expert judges. The winners will be determined by a combination of innovation, execution, and the practicality of their application.
Why It Matters for Nigerian Startups
Nigeria is Africa’s fintech capital, with some of the world’s most successful startups. However, many emerging entrepreneurs do not have access to funds and mentorship as well as exposure. Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 helps bridge that gap by providing a reliable platform for entrepreneurs in the early stages to present their ideas and concepts to the largest banks in Africa.
Participating in this hackathon, Nigerian hackers can
- Learn from mentorship programs with global financial and tech experts.
- Funding is available to launch or expand their ideas.
- Recognized throughout the fintech industry
- Establish lasting relationships with your peers and investors.
This initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s push for a digital economy and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Expected Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, participants are expected to:
- Develop working prototypes that address specific fintech issues
- Create partnerships for additional funding and product development
- Contribute to Africa’s as well as Nigeria’s digital agenda for transformation
- Encourage other young innovators to develop solutions based on technology
Key Dates
| Event | Timeline |
| Application Opens | Now Open |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
| Shortlisting Announcement | August 2025 |
| Hackathon Event | September 2025 |
| Award Ceremony | End of Event |
Applicants are encouraged to submit entries early to increase their chances of consideration.
Conclusion
The Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 is more than just a contest; it’s a trend that is shaping the direction of African finance. Through combining mentorship, innovation, and opportunities, the event gives young Nigerians the means to develop efficient digital solutions that could change the financial landscape of Africa.
For those who are ready to make a difference, now is the time to convert your ideas into action and code into advancement and ideas into worldwide recognition.