234Finance to Host Mentor Matchup Challenge 7.0 in Lagos December 4–5

234Finance has announced that it will host the seventh edition of its flagship event, the Mentor Matchup Challenge (MMC 7.0), on December 4 and 5, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and other key stakeholders from across Africa to discuss equitable trade and entrepreneurship under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Themed “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade,” MMC 7.0 is expected to draw participants from over 15 African countries. The event will focus on fostering meaningful collaboration among African founders, business leaders, and development partners, while exploring practical strategies to promote access to markets, regional integration, and inclusive growth. The two-day gathering will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses, startup pitch competitions, mentorship sessions, and exhibitions. This year’s edition will spotlight five priority sectors: agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, and the creative economy. Organisers say the event is designed to facilitate investment deals, networking, and capacity building for businesses across the continent. Since its inception, the Mentor Matchup Challenge has evolved from a mentorship-focused initiative into a major Pan-African platform that bridges gaps in capital, clarity, and collaboration for startups and SMEs. The 2025 edition will continue this mission by aligning with AfCFTA objectives and advancing discussions on building sustainable regional value chains and reducing trade barriers for African businesses. Early bird registration opened on August 1 and will continue through September 30, with various ticket categories available for delegates, exhibitors, and international participants. According to 234Finance, this year’s event will include curated networking lounges and a closing celebration to enhance the experience and outcomes for attendees. With AfCFTA implementation reshaping trade dynamics across the continent, MMC 7.0 is expected to play a critical role in driving forward the vision of a more connected and economically empowered Africa through entrepreneurship and equitable commerce.