Zenith Bank rewards innovators with ₦140 million at Zenith Tech Fair 5.0
The Zenith Bank Future Forward 5.0 Tech Fair focused on African technological innovation under the theme "Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate." A total of ₦140 million in cash prizes was awarded to ten African innovators.
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Zenith Bank Plc hosted the fifth edition of its flagship technology fair, Future Forward 5.0. Held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, the event’s theme, “Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” brought together thousands of developers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore the future of technology and its role in business growth.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, opened the fair by paying tribute to the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, celebrating his “visionary foresight” that led to the creation of the Tech Fair and established Zenith Bank as a pioneer in digital banking. She emphasised the theme, stating the urgency for organisations to integrate technology into strategic planning to thrive in a world being transformed by AI.
“Over the years, Zenith Bank has embraced technological innovations. We understand the transformative power of technology, and have seen the successful international innovators and companies shape the digital age, showing that there are tremendous opportunities in the tech industry.” Umeoji stated.
Dame Umeoji also discussed Zenith’s smart portal innovation, ZenPay, positioned to foster trade payments in Africa.
“Zenith Bank is digital forward. We are developing a smart-after portal to facilitate trade across countries in their own currencies. This portal, after being developed, will be able to facilitate transactions across African countries.”
Meanwhile, Dr Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank, while speaking at the event, reiterated his vision to empower youth through technology, expressing hope that one day Africa would produce global tech giants like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, also delivered a goodwill message, calling for increased technological empowerment initiatives and expressing a vision to make Lagos the world’s hub for human capital in tech talent.
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