A significant milestone has been reached in the drive to strengthen African entrepreneurship as a leading business mentorship and capacity-building platform has secured major financial backing for the upcoming Mentor Matchup Challenge 7.0 (MMC 7.0). Powered by 234Finance, the programme is dedicated to empowering emerging and established entrepreneurs across the continent through mentorship, practical training, strategic networking, and improved access to capital.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade,” reflecting the initiative’s focus on tackling the persistent barriers that limit cross-border commerce, regional collaboration, and industrial advancement in Africa. MMC 7.0 aims to create a dynamic ecosystem where business leaders, financial institutions, and innovators can exchange insights, forge partnerships, and unlock scalable opportunities.
Leading the list of supporters is Zenith Bank Plc, serving as the anchor sponsor, with additional backing from Providus Bank, VFD Group, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Access Bank Plc. Their involvement signals the private sector’s growing commitment to championing Africa’s industrial transformation and contributing to the meaningful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These organizations recognize that strengthening access to finance is essential for African businesses to compete on both regional and global stages.
In a statement released over the weekend, 234Finance emphasized that commercial banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) will play central roles during the event. They will lead critical conversations on mobilizing sustainable investment, designing innovative financial tools, and creating long-term mechanisms that support business expansion. According to the organizers, the capital mobilized through these efforts will help African ventures enhance their competitiveness and pursue sustainable growth strategies.
Across the two-day challenge, delegates will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with key representatives from participating financial institutions. These experts will offer tailored financial advisory services covering areas such as credit structures, investment vehicles, risk management, and financial planning designed specifically for the African market. This hands-on approach aligns with 234Finance’s long-standing mission to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) within its community.
MMC 7.0 is intentionally curated to bring together a powerful mix of founders, investors, CEOs, and banking professionals. This setting creates fertile ground for meaningful networking, strategic relationship-building, and potential deal origination. For many entrepreneurs, the event represents a gateway to fresh funding options and invaluable mentorship that can accelerate their growth trajectories.
As Africa positions itself for a new wave of industrial advancement under AfCFTA, access to sustainable and affordable capital remains one of the most crucial elements for turning economic aspirations into reality. MMC 7.0 contributes to this vision by equipping entrepreneurs with both the knowledge and financial pathways needed to thrive in a competitive business environment.
The seventh edition of the Mentor Matchup Challenge will take place on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 8:00 AM each day at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The event is ticketed, with multiple registration categories available to accommodate both local participants and international delegates seeking to engage with Africa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
