2nd ECOWAS STARTUP AWARDS 2026
Are you leading an innovative startup in West Africa? Try to win up to $30,000 US and take your business to the regional level!
The 2nd edition will bring together 60 startups from ECOWAS Member States. It features a masterclasses, startup clinics, pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms, policy dialogues, and post-award acceleration support.
Scaling West African startups for digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value chain ecosystem development to drive market access.
The ECOWAS Startup Awards were established to identify, celebrate and scale high-impact startups while advancing innovation, digital entrepreneurship and economic integration across West Africa. Following the inaugural edition in Niamey, Niger, on 18–19 November 2021, the Awards have become a platform connecting startups with investors, policymakers and development partners.
This second edition is expected to bring together 60 startups from across the Member States, and is designed in line with international best practices to ensure transparency, fairness, inclusivity and merit-based selection.
Priority Sectors
The focus will be on the following six priority sectors:
- EdTech and Skills Development.
- HealthTech
- AgriTech and Food Systems.
- FinTech
- CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation.
- Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech.
Eligibility
- Be native and based in a ECOWAS country.
- At least 2 years of existence and a functional product.
- (Female candidates highly encouraged).
Benefits to All Participants
- 6 months acceleration program, capacity building and mentorship support
- Regional visibility
- Access to investors
- Networking opportunities
Prizes Awards
🥇 1st Prize: $30,000 US
🥈 2nd Prize: $20,000 US
🥉 3rd Prize: $15,000 US
Important Dates
Published in Section 2.1 of the Guidelines for Participants.
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Applications Open
03 August 2026
Portal opens to all ECOWAS Member States
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Application Deadline
31 August 2026
Final cut-off for submissions
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Virtual Master Class
21–25 September 2026
Online masterclasses and startup clinics, from 9:00am
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Physical Event
28–30 September 2026
Pitch competitions, exhibitions and investor deal rooms in Abuja
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Regional Finals
30 September 2026
Finalists pitch before the independent regional jury
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates start up want join challenge use link below to Apply.
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