Zenith Bank Amplifies Tech Innovation and Financial Confidence with N140 Million Zecathon 5.0 & Market Recognition

Lagos, Nigeria — Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, continues to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic confidence as the bank drives platforms that elevate Africa’s tech ecosystem and attract renewed investor interest.

🚀 N140 Million Zecathon 5.0 Rewards Africa’s Brightest Innovators

In early 2026, Zenith Bank concluded its flagship innovation competition — Zecathon 5.0 — at the Zenith Tech Fair, awarding a combined ₦140 million in prizes to ten innovators selected from thousands of contestants across Africa.

The competition — themed “Future Forward: Tech for Success — Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate” — features an expanded hackathon and startup pitch structure, offering substantial non‑dilutive funding and six weeks of acceleration support to help founders scale real‑world tech solutions.

Ten finalists — including winners in both hackathon and pitch categories — received significant grants to support ventures in areas such as digital identity verification, AI‑powered education technology, payments and fintech solutions.

In her remarks at the closing ceremony, Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, creating platforms where African innovators can turn bold ideas into scalable solutions that address socio‑economic challenges.

This initiative underscores the bank’s leadership in fostering digital transformation and tech‑led economic participation in Nigeria and beyond.

Strong Market Confidence: Stock Analysts Name Zenith Bank a “Top Pick”

In January 2026, financial analysts at Renaissance Capital Africa Research (Rencap) identified Zenith Bank Plc shares as a top conviction pick within the Nigerian banking sector’s equities market. The recommendation highlights strong fundamentals, improved asset quality, and potential for further valuation upside relative to regional peers.

According to the research, the bank’s balance sheet clean‑up and strengthened capital position following regulatory reforms have created conditions for sustained growth and enhanced shareholder returns.

This positive outlook reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector and underscores Zenith Bank’s long‑standing reputation as a resilient and innovative financial institution.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Digital & Economic Growth

• 🎯 Empowering Innovators: Zenith Bank’s Zecathon 5.0 platform boosts Africa’s tech ecosystem by supporting early‑stage founders with both capital and acceleration resources, contributing to job creation and tech entrepreneurship.
• 📈 Investor Confidence: Recognition as a top stock pick reinforces the bank’s strong fundamentals and role in driving long‑term value in Nigeria’s financial markets.
• 🤝 Inclusive Economic Participation: By bridging fintech innovation and financial market participation, Zenith Bank continues to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.