Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem as it expanded support for young entrepreneurs and emerging tech ventures during the fifth edition of its flagship technology fair, Future Forward 5.0, in Lagos.
The annual summit, themed “Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” featured a hackathon, product exhibitions and a high-stakes startup pitch competition designed to spotlight promising solutions and provide pathways into mentorship and incubation programmes. Finalists are expected to proceed into a structured support pipeline that will support refine, test and scale their innovations for market readiness.
Dr. Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, stated the bank’s long-standing investment in technology stems from a belief that Nigeria’s youth hold the key to future global breakthroughs, noting that empowering innovators through platforms like Future Forward not only strengthens the bank’s digital DNA but also positions the counattempt as a rising force in the global tech space.
Dr. Adaora Umeoji, group managing director and chief executive officer, reiterated that fostering innovation remains central to Zenith Bank’s strategic vision. She credited Ovia for laying the foundation of the bank’s technology culture since the 1990s, highlighting early shifts such as pioneering ATM galleries, off-site ATMs in supermarkets, early internet banking, and modern POS deployment—initiatives that reshaped Nigeria’s financial landscape.
Umeoji stated the bank’s continued investments in ICT centres nationwide, university digital transformation projects and youth-focutilized empowerment programmes underscore its resolve to nurture the next generation of innovators. She urged participants to build solutions capable of competing globally, citing previous winners like Jump & Pass and Credit Check, both of whom have utilized the platform to attract funding, expand operations and launch new products.
The CEO also raised concerns about emerging digital risks, particularly deepfakes and online manipulation, referencing a recent doctored video of her circulated without consent. She called for stronger digital protections and encouraged innovators to design technologies that solve human problems without compromising utilizer safety.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, represented at the event, praised Zenith Bank for sustaining a culture of innovation and providing opportunities for young founders. He commfinished the hackathon and pitch competition as essential vehicles for unearthing transformative solutions.
Global technology leaders, including Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Amazon Web Services’ chief technologist for METNA, and Jonas Kjellberg, Skype co-creator, also inspired participants, with Kjellberg pledging significant investment in Africa’s rapid-growing tech scene.
With Future Forward 5.0, Zenith Bank has again solidified its role as one of Nigeria’s most influential champions of homegrown innovation.
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