Deadline: October 31, 2025
The Zenith Bank Hackathon 5.0 invites innovators, developers, and startups across Africa to submit AI-driven fintech solutions for a chance to co-create groundbreaking digital innovations that advance financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and technology-driven growth through a live hackathon in Lagos, Nigeria.
The hackathon focuses on ten innovation tracks that address key challenges in the African financial ecosystem, including Optimising Operational Efficiency of ATMs, Alternative Credit Scoring Using Non-Traditional Data, SME Marketplace and Smart Lending Platform, Strengthening Customer Trust, Combating Digital Fraud and Financial Crime, Hyper-Personalised Banking with AI, Seamless Digital Onboarding & Service Experience, Seamless Digital KYC and Liveness Verification, Real-Time Agent Liquidity Optimisation, and Managing Misinformation and Reputational Risk.
The Zenith Bank Hackathon serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration, empowering creative minds to develop impactful fintech solutions that shape the future of banking in Africa. The initiative demonstrates Zenith Bank’s strong commitment to driving digital transformation and expanding access to financial services through technology. Participants are encouraged to use AI, GenAI, and other emerging technologies to solve real-world problems in the financial sector.
The total prize pool for the competition is ₦70,000,000, with ₦30,000,000 awarded to the winner and ₦10,000,000 each to the 2nd to 5th place teams. In addition to cash rewards, all winners will receive strategic collaboration opportunities with Zenith Bank, investor exposure, and participation in a six-week startup incubation program with expert mentorship.
Eligible participants include individuals aged 20 to 35, developers, designers, innovators, students, professionals, and startups from African countries, forming teams of two to four members. Submissions must be original, feasible, and demonstrate creativity, scalability, and measurable impact on financial inclusion. Each proposal should clearly define the problem, describe the solution’s innovative use of AI or emerging technologies, explain its value and implementation plan, and highlight the team’s expertise.
Teams are expected to choose a challenge track, develop their idea, prepare a compelling pitch, and submit their applications online before the deadline. Shortlisted teams will participate in the live hackathon event, where they will receive support and mentorship to refine their solutions.
For more information, visit Zenith Bank.
