The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for its 2026 Startup Awards, offering a total of $65,000 in cash prizes to the top three startups.
The ECOWAS Startup Awards are designed to identify and support high-impact businesses contributing to digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value-chain development across West Africa. The second edition is being convened by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Private Sector and Industry and hosted in Abuja.
The programme 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). The initiative follows its inaugural edition, which was held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021.
The 2026 competition will distribute the $65,000 prize pool among three leading startups. Winner: $30,000,first runner-up: $20,000, second runner-up: $15,000
Beyond the financial awards, selected startups will receive regional exposure, investor introductions and networking opportunities with founders and policymakers. Participants will also have access to mentorship and a six-month acceleration programme, alongside digital tools such as computers, accessories and software.
The ECOWAS Startup Awards will accept applications from businesses operating in six strategic sectors:
- EdTech — education technology and skills development.
- FinTech — technology-driven financial products and services.
- HealthTech — technology solutions for healthcare delivery.
- AgriTech — agricultural technology and food systems.
- CleanTech — climate solutions, clean technology and green innovation.
- TravelTech — tourism, hospitality and travel technology.
The 2026 edition is expected to bring together 60 startups from ECOWAS member states.
Applicants must satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements. A startup must: be founded by a citizen of an ECOWAS member state, be registered and based in an ECOWAS country, have operated for at least two years, have a functioning product or service, demonstrate market traction or scalability, Submit all required documentation.
Applicants are expected to prepare several documents before starting the application. These include a completed application form covering Sections A to J, a valid national passport or ECOWAS-approved identification document for the lead founder and a recent colour passport photograph. Where applicable, applicants must also provide their business registration certificate.
The organisers require two years of financial statements, management accounts or financial projections. Founders must also submit a business plan of no more than 10 pages and a pitch deck limited to 10 slides. A one-minute pitch video in MP4, MOV or WebM format is also required, with a maximum file size of 100MB.
The selection process will happen in two stages. At the national level, each ECOWAS member state will nominate half of its allocated slots. The remaining slots will be filled through applications submitted directly by startups, meaning founders do not necessarily need a national nomination to participate.
Successful finalists will proceed to the regional finals in Abuja, where they will pitch before an independent jury. The jury will comprise professionals from industry, investment and policy backgrounds. The organisers said judges will be required to comply with conflict-of-interest and confidentiality requirements.
Applications opened on August 3, 2026, with the deadline set for August 31, 2026.
The programme schedule includes: August 3: Applications open, August 31: Application deadline, September 21–25: Virtual masterclasses and startup clinics, September 28–30: Physical event in Abuja, September 30: Regional finals and final pitches
The Abuja programme will feature pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms and policy discussions.
Eligible startup founders across ECOWAS member states can submit applications through the official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal. Applicants are advised to prepare their documents before beginning the application process.
The organisers said applicants can save their progress and continue completing the form later. With $65,000 available in prize money and additional opportunities for investment, mentorship and regional exposure, the ECOWAS Startup Awards offer participating startups an opportunity to gain visibility beyond their domestic markets.
