ECOWAS Startup Awards Return With 60 Startups and $5 Million Deal Target

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will bring together 60 startups from across West Africa for the second ECOWAS Startup Awards, taking place from 21 to 30 September 2026 in Abuja.

Hosted at the new ECOWAS Headquarters, the programme will focus on startups developing solutions in digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value chains.

The organisers want the awards to do more than showcase young companies. The programme is designed to help startups reach new markets, connect with investors and build partnerships across the region.

Ten Days of Training, Pitching and Investment

The programme will begin with a virtual masterclass running from 21 to 25 September. From 28 to 30 September, the programme will move to pitching sessions, exhibitions and the awards ceremony in Abuja.

The 60 startups will compete across six sectors: FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, EdTech and Skills Development, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Tech.

The sector mix covers areas where startups are developing solutions for businesses, consumers and regional markets.

The programme will also create opportunities for founders to meet investors, business leaders and development partners as they develop their pitches and explore commercial partnerships.

$65,000 in Prize Money

The top three startups will receive seed funding of $30,000, $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.

ECOWAS is also targeting $5 million in deals across the different thematic tracks. That gives the programme a focus beyond prize money, with organisers looking to connect participating startups with potential investment and commercial opportunities.

The awards build on the first ECOWAS Startup Awards, which were held in Niamey in 2021.

This year's edition also includes a longer-term capacity-building component through the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy, a digital learning platform aimed at startups, entrepreneurs and policymakers.

The academy will cover enterprise development, trade and competitiveness, giving participants access to learning beyond the awards programme.

ECOWAS is implementing the initiative with partners including the International Trade Centre, GIZ, ASKY, UNIDO and the Bank of Industry of Nigeria.

For participating startups, the opportunity is therefore broader than competing for funding. The programme is designed to connect West African businesses with the people, capital and markets they need to expand across the region.

With 60 startups coming together across six sectors, the awards will also provide a snapshot of the types of businesses emerging across West Africa as the region looks to deepen digital trade, regional integration and cross-border commerce.