Young innovators and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria converged at the “Gathering on 100,” a 100-hour non-stop youth-focused experience powered by MTN Nigeria, to showcase ideas, build networks, and compete for funding in a major startup pitch competition.
The event, described by organisers as a convergence of creators, founders, and culture shapers, featured a Pitchathon segment that awarded a total of ₦45 million to eight outstanding startups selected from 30 participants spanning sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Internet of Things (IoT), AgriTech, DefenceTech, and CreativeTech.
The competition underscored what participants called a “Gen Z approach to business,” combining innovation, speed, and community-driven growth models.
At the end of the contest, Hurpham Africa, led by Sesan Kareem, emerged overall winner, securing ₦15 million alongside enterprise partnership and co-development access from MTN.
Coconoto Ltd, founded by Jacob Oluwayannife, clinched the second runner-up position with a prize of ₦10 million, while Rava Send, represented by Emmanuel Isaka, emerged third runner-up, receiving ₦5 million.
Five other startups — URI Social, Dulces Jams, Kindly Book, Africa Medical Marketplace, and MyFund — each received ₦3 million in recognition of their innovative solutions and growth potential.
Organisers said the initiative was designed not only to reward innovation but also to equip young founders with critical business skills through mentorship and real-time engagement with industry leaders.
The Pitchathon formed part of a broader industry showcase where emerging technology startups presented solutions aimed at deepening financial inclusion and accelerating e-commerce growth across Africa.
Among the presenters was a fintech platform led by Charles Dairo, which is focused on simplifying cross-border transactions. According to Dairo, the platform has recorded more than 10,000 user registrations, with about 30 per cent actively transacting.
He said the company is deploying a localized incentive system to drive user engagement and convert inactive users, noting that a referral programme already contributes roughly 15 per cent of organic growth.
The platform operates a 0.5 per cent transaction fee model and leverages strategic banking partnerships to ensure liquidity. It also integrates stablecoins such as USD Coin to enhance cross-border payment efficiency and expand interoperability across mobile money ecosystems.
Stakeholders noted that such innovations could help address long-standing challenges in Africa’s payments landscape, including high transaction costs and limited system integration.
In the e-commerce space, startups like Jakuta demonstrated the use of artificial intelligence to simplify purchasing decisions and improve operational efficiency.
The platform combines voice technology with mobile messaging tools such as WhatsApp to guide users through transactions, while also enabling device trade-ins through automated video analysis.
Developers said the system currently supports operations in about 20 countries and is capable of handling high volumes of daily interactions, including automated customer engagement processes.
They added that the solution automates routine merchant tasks such as inventory management and customer follow-ups, even in low-connectivity environments, thereby expanding access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Founders also disclosed ongoing efforts to partner with telecommunications providers to reduce communication costs and scale adoption of their platforms.
Industry analysts at the event observed that many startups are increasingly prioritising customer lifetime value, reinvesting revenues into marketing, user acquisition, and product optimisation to build resilient and scalable business models.
They noted that such strategies are essential for navigating challenges including exchange rate volatility, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory complexities across African markets.
The “Gathering on 100” highlighted the growing influence of youth-led innovation in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy, with stakeholders expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between startups, financial institutions, and telecom operators would accelerate digital inclusion and unlock new economic opportunities.
