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Zenith Bank kicks off Zecathon 3.0 competition in Nigeria

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Nigerian financial institution, Zenith Bank PLC has announced the launch of a startup pitch competition called the “Zenith Bank Zecathon 3.0”, in partnership with Seedstars Global Network.

The Zecathon 3.0, according to Temitope Fasoranti, an Executive Director with the bank, reaffirms Zenith’s “commitment to identifying, supporting, and mentoring Nigerian MVP stage startups, aimed at shaping the future of business in Africa.”

Fasoranti, in a statement while launching the competition in Lagos, said winners will take home prize money from pool of N59 million aside other mouthwatering incentives in business support, training, mentorship, and investor networking opportunities that would enable the startups to achieve their growth trajectories.

“After witnessing the unparalleled impact and success of our previous collaboration with Seedstars, we’re thrilled to introduce Zecathon 3.0,” Fasoranti said.

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering technological advancements in Nigeria.

‘’Our goal is to spotlight and uplift innovative startups that use technology to address modern-day challenges, steering us towards a brighter tomorrow,” he added.

He advised that startups looking to participate in the programme should be at the MVP stage with a full team, and must have raised no more than $75,000 in funding.

“Additionally, intending startups must operate within the following domains:

“Future of Retail, Future of eCommerce, Future of Payments, Future of Lending, Future of Wellness, Future of Cybersecurity, Future of EdTech, Future of Energy, Future of AgriTech, Future of Entertainment, Future of Transport and Logistics and Future of SMEs.

“Winning participants will not only receive the cash prizes but will also gain invaluable pitch training, be part of a follow-on program, and access to Seedstars’ global network.

“The first prize is N20m plus an opportunity to pitch investors and access the Seedstars Mentorship Hub; Second Prize: N15m, inclusive of a scholarship into the Seedstars mentorship hub while the third prize is N10m complemented by a scholarship into the Seedstars mentorship hub. The subsequent 10 startups (4th – 10th) will each be granted a participatory prize of N2m,” Fasoranti said.

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Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

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Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

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Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

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