Leading commercial banks, including Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Fidelity Bank PLC, VFD Group, and Access Bank PLC, have confirmed their support for the 7th edition of the Mentor Matchup Challenge (MMC 7.0), scheduled for 4 and 5 December 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Organised by 234Finance, MMC 7.0 will focus on the theme “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade” and aims to facilitate access to finance and capital for African entrepreneurs while advancing regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The participation of these financial institutions underscores the private sector’s role in supporting Africa’s industrial development and enabling equitable trade,” a statement from 234Finance said. Representatives from the banks and development finance institutions will lead discussions on strategies, tools, and partnerships required to mobilise capital across the continent.
Access to finance is widely recognised as a significant barrier for African businesses seeking to scale. By bringing these banks into direct engagement with founders and key stakeholders, MMC 7.0 intends to address obstacles to cross-border trade, industrial expansion, and sustainable growth. Delegates will have the opportunity to receive guidance on credit facilities, investment vehicles, and financial management tailored to the African market.
MMC 7.0 has grown from a closed-door mentorship initiative into a Pan-African platform convening entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners. This year, delegates from over 15 African countries will examine inclusive trade structures, cross-border collaboration, and the role of African entrepreneurs in value creation.
The two-day programme will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses, mentorship sessions, a pitching competition, an exhibition, and networking events. Sectors highlighted will include agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and the creative economy.
234Finance emphasised that MMC 7.0 seeks to equip founders with both mentorship and access to capital, enabling them to scale sustainably and participate effectively in regional and global markets. Early bird registration runs from 1 August to 30 September 2025, with tickets available for local and international delegates across multiple categories.
