At this year’s VivaTech conference in Paris, Nigeria’s Zeeh Africa has been named to the prestigious VivaTech 2025 Innovation of the Year shortlist, emerging as the only African startup among 30 global finalists. This recognition places Zeeh Africa on one of the world’s biggest stages for technology and innovation — and signals a growing global appreciation for the strength of African tech talent.
A Competitive Global Lineup
The Innovation of the Year award, presented by VivaTech in partnership with TechCrunch, celebrates the boldest and most visionary startups from around the world. Open to all exhibiting startups at VivaTech 2025, the award focuses on companies pushing boundaries in areas such as sustainability, deep tech, mobility, healthcare, and digital finance.
Startups were assessed on three core criteria:
- Innovation and Creativity
- Market Disruption
- Scalability
From hundreds of applicants across more than 20 countries, only 30 made the shortlist. These include startups developing photonic chips, bioelectronic cancer therapies, brain-computer interfaces, and AI-powered robotics. It’s an impressive mix of deep scientific ambition and real-world impact — and among them, Zeeh Africa is flying the flag for the continent.
Spotlight on Zeeh Africa
Zeeh Africa operates in the banking and fintech space, providing accessible digital financial services across underserved communities in Nigeria and beyond. While the company’s specific product or pitch details for VivaTech haven’t been publicly shared yet, their selection alone speaks volumes: Zeeh’s innovation has demonstrated strong global relevance, technical creativity, and market potential.
As one of the 30 shortlisted startups, Zeeh Africa is now in the running to be named one of five finalists who will pitch live at VivaTech on June 11. The winner will be announced at the VivaTech Global Awards Ceremony on June 12, earning:
- A spot on the main stage to pitch,
- A free Startup Corner at VivaTech 2026,
- And inclusion in the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200, a globally recognized showcase for emerging companies.
Why This Matters
African startups are often underrepresented at global tech showcases, despite the continent’s growing ecosystem of innovators solving real-world problems at scale. Zeeh Africa’s recognition by VivaTech is more than just an award — it’s a validation of the work being done across Africa’s emerging tech markets.
It’s also a much-needed signal to global investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders: African founders are building high-impact, globally relevant solutions, particularly in critical sectors like digital finance, healthcare access, mobility, and climate resilience.
In recent years, startups from Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa have captured increasing international interest, but access to global recognition and opportunity remains uneven. Zeeh’s achievement may open the door a little wider for others.
A Sign of Broader Momentum
Zeeh’s selection comes at a time when African startups are steadily regaining momentum. Despite a dip in total startup funding in May 2025, cumulative investment on the continent remains on track to exceed 2024 levels. More importantly, the quality of deals is improving, with an emphasis on resilient business models, meaningful innovation, and scalable platforms.
Zeeh Africa embodies that next generation of African startups — not just building solutions for local markets, but aiming for global relevance without losing focus on inclusion and access.
What’s Next?
As the only African startup in the top 30, Zeeh Africa will be closely watched during VivaTech week. The five finalists will be announced on June 11, and the grand prize winner revealed on June 12. Regardless of the outcome, Zeeh has already secured a powerful platform to tell its story — and to inspire the next wave of African innovators.
For the African tech ecosystem, this moment is worth celebrating. It’s also a reminder that even in highly competitive global spaces, African innovation has a place — and a powerful voice.
VivaTech 2025 runs from June 11–14 in Paris. Learn more at vivatechnology.com.
For more updates on African innovation and startup stories, stay with Innovation Village.
