234Finance has announced plans to hold Pitch2Scale Africa, a showcase event for entrepreneurs, at the 7th edition of the Mentor MatchUp Challenge (MMC), where a founder will win $10,000.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisers of the MMC said the pitch contest will provide entrepreneurs with visibility, access to capital, and essential mentorship to help them scale sustainably.
234Finance said it will also host Africa’s most influential business leaders, investors, and innovators in Lagos for the MMC.
The company said the event themed ‘Building Bridges for Equitable Trade,’ is set to hold from December 4–5, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.
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MMC 7.0, according to the statement, will bring together over 1,000 founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers for two days of learning, mentorship, and collaboration, all focused on driving sustainable growth, regional integration, and equitable trade across Africa.
“The event is set to spotlight capacity building and local production across sectors including Energy, Hospitality & Tourism, Financial Services, the Creative Economy, Agribusiness, and Manufacturing,” the statement reads.
“This year’s lineup of headline speakers reflects a blend of deep industry expertise and visionary leadership across multiple sectors.
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“The speakers include Austin Avuru, Chairman of AA Holdings and former CEO of Seplat Energy, renowned for leading Nigeria’s grassroots oil and gas development;
“Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman and CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited; Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Group Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc credited with driving major growth and SME support in the Nigerian banking sector;
“Nonso Okpala, Group CEO of VFD Group and Joycee Awosika, Founder & CEO of ORÍKÌ Group, an award-winning entrepreneur who has built a pan-African wellness brand.”
This year’s sponsors, according to the organisers, include returning partners Nepal Energies, Fidelity Bank Plc, Africa Energy Chamber, and Black Cheetah, alongside new additions Aruwa Capital, a female-founded growth equity firm.
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Ezinne Nwazulu, the convener of the event, said the 7th edition builds on six years of impact, connecting emerging entrepreneurs with established leaders who are passionate about giving back through mentorship and collaboration.
“We aren’t just stopping there, but driving a movement where people of African-descent have a seat at the table driving unlocking markets, forgoing meaningful connections across borders and driving equitable partnerships,” the convener said.
Nwazulu added that as the global economy shifts, Africa is ready to lead, while MMC stands as a catalyst for visionary leadership “where we are building boldly, collaboratively and on our own terms”.
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