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Some of Africa’s most influential business leaders, investors, and innovators will converge in Lagos this December for the seventh edition of the Mentor MatchUp Challenge (MMC 7.0), a powerful platform that continues to redefine mentorship, dealmaking and collaboration across the continent.
Hosted by 234Finance, the event is scheduled for December 4–5, 2025 in Lagos, with the theme “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade.” Over 1,000 founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers are expected to attend the two-day gathering, which will focus on unlocking opportunities in key growth sectors such as energy, financial services, hospitality, agribusiness, manufacturing, and the creative economy.
This year’s edition seeks to drive sustainable growth, deepen regional integration, and promote local production as part of a broader mission to strengthen Africa’s position in global trade. Organisers say the event will provide a dynamic environment for learning, mentorship, and investment partnerships designed to help emerging entrepreneurs thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Among the confirmed speakers are Austin Avuru, Chairman of AA Holdings and former CEO of Seplat Energy; Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman and CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited; Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Group Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc; Nonso Okpala, Group CEO of VFD Group; and Joycee Awosika, Founder and CEO of the ORÍKÌ Group, an award-winning pan-African wellness brand.
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Backed by leading sponsors including Nepal Energies, Fidelity Bank Plc, Africa Energy Chamber, and Black Cheetah, the 2025 edition also welcomes new partner Aruwa Capital, a female-founded growth equity and gender-lens fund that has invested over $20 million across 11 portfolio companies.
A major highlight of MMC 7.0 will be Pitch2Scale Africa, a live pitch session where selected entrepreneurs will showcase their ideas to investors and industry experts. One standout company will clinch $10,000 in investment funding, along with mentorship and visibility opportunities aimed at scaling their ventures sustainably.
Convener of the event, Mrs. Ezinne Nwazulu, described the forum as more than a conference, a movement shaping Africa’s economic narrative.
“This edition builds on six years of impact, connecting emerging entrepreneurs with established leaders who are passionate about giving back through mentorship and collaboration,” she said, adding; “We’re driving a movement where people of African descent have a seat at the table, unlocking markets, forging meaningful partnerships, and shaping the future of trade and enterprise on our own terms.”
