ECOWAS Startup Awards 2026 Up $65,000 Fund to Support StartUp
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.
- Health Tech
- AgriTech and Food Systems.
- FinTech
- CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation.
- Tourism, Hospitality and Travel tech.
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
- 11 to investors
- Networking opportunities
Prizes Awards
- 1st Prize: $30,000 US
- 2nd Prize: $20,000 US
- 3rd Prize: $15,000 US
Important Dates
Applications Open
- 03 August 2026
Portal opens to all ECOWAS Member States
Application Deadline
- 31 August 2026
Final cut-off for submissions
Virtual Master Class
- 21-25 September 2026
Online masterclasses and startup clinics, from 9:00am
Physical Event
- 28-30 September 2026
Pitch competitions, exhibitions and investor deal rooms in Abuja
Regional Finals
- 30 September 2026
- Finalists pitch before the independent regional jury
- Published in Section 2.1 of the Guidelines for Participants.
How to Apply
Interested Applicant can apply via this link
