The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the 2026 ECOWAS Startup Awards, with a total cash prize of $65,000 available to the top three startups across the region.
The second edition of the awards is aimed at identifying, celebrating and supporting high-impact startups contributing to digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value-chain development in West Africa.
The programme is being convened by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Private Sector and Industry and hosted in Abuja. It is being jointly implemented by the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI) and the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS).
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition is expected to bring together 60 startups from ECOWAS member states, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their businesses, connect with investors and engage policymakers and other key players in the regional innovation ecosystem.
The programme will feature masterclasses, startup clinics, pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms, policy dialogues and post-award acceleration.
How Much Can Startups Win?
The $65,000 cash prize will be distributed among the top three winners as follows:
– Winner — $30,000
– First Runner-up — $20,000
– Second Runner-up — $15,000
Beyond the financial rewards, selected startups will gain regional exposure across the ECOWAS bloc, investor introductions and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers.
They will also benefit from mentorship and a six-month acceleration programme designed to help strengthen their businesses and expand their regional impact.
The 2026 edition is the second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards, following the inaugural programme held in Niamey, Niger, on November 18 and 19, 2021.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, private-sector development and regional economic integration across West Africa.
