Call for Applications: National PayExpo Innovation Challenge 2025 Offers N2 Million in Prizes and $20,000 Seed Funding
csrreporters 
Applications are now open for the highly anticipated National PayExpo Innovation
Challenge 2025, a groundbreaking fintech and payments innovation competition that seeks to
discover, fund, and scale Nigeria’s next generation of payment disruptors.
Organized as part of the annual National PayExpo Conference, the challenge invites young
entrepreneurs, developers, and startup teams to showcase their most forward-thinking
solutions aimed at transforming digital payments, financial inclusion, and e-commerce across
Nigeria and Africa.
The competition offers N2 million in cash prizes for the top three finalists, along with an
exclusive $20,000 post-acceleration seed funding package to help bring the winning
solution to market.
“This challenge is about more than technology — it’s about real-world impact,” said Chika
Nwosu, a member of the PayExpo Advisory Board. “We’re looking for solutions that can
reshape how Nigerians pay, get paid, and access financial services.”
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Who Should Apply?
- Fintech startups and founders building solutions for payments, wallets, credit, remittance, POS, or blockchain
- Student innovators with prototype-ready products
- Early-stage companies in need of visibility, mentorship, and funding
Key Benefits Include:
- N2 million in total cash prizes (1st – N1m, 2nd – N700k, 3rd – N300k)
- Access to $20,000 seed capital after acceleration
- Exposure to investors, regulators, and banks during the National PayExpo
- One-on-one mentorship from fintech leaders and VCs
- Featured showcase booth at PayExpo 2025
“Nigeria is already a leader in fintech on the continent,” said Fatima Adeoye, Head of
Strategy at a leading mobile money firm. “The PayExpo Challenge is the platform where
tomorrow’s unicorns begin their journey.”
Applications must be submitted via the official PayExpo Nigeria website by June 30, 2025.
Shortlisted teams will pitch live at the PayExpo Conference in Lagos this September.
Organizers say the initiative supports Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and the
broader African Fintech Alliance goals.
“By empowering homegrown innovation, we’re creating job opportunities, boosting GDP,
and solving real market problems,” said Tunde Ajayi, Chair of the Innovation Challenge
Committee. “It’s CSR, innovation, and economic development all in one.”