The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is bringing together 60 of West Africa’s most promising startups for the second ECOWAS Startup Awards, running from 21–30 September 2026 at the new ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja.
Under the theme “Scaling West African Startups for Digital Transformation, Regional Integration and Sustainable Value Chain Ecosystem Development to drive Market Access,” the programme aims to spotlight home-grown solutions with potential to transform businesses, create opportunities and accelerate regional integration.
The 10-day event begins with virtual masterclasses from 21–25 September, followed by a physical pitching, exhibition and awards programme from 28–30 September. The 60 startups, selected from more than 6,000 applications across the 12 ECOWAS member states, span six strategic sectors: FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, EdTech and Skills Development, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Tech.
The top three startups will receive seed funding of US$30,000, US$20,000 and US$15,000 respectively. Organisers are also targeting up to US$5 million in deals across the thematic tracks by connecting participants with investors, business leaders and development partners.
Twenty finalists will pitch before an independent jury of industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders. The awards build on the inaugural edition held in Niamey in 2021 and form part of broader efforts to create a lasting regional platform for entrepreneurship. ECOWAS has also announced plans for a Private Sector Development Academy, a permanent digital learning platform for startups, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Partners supporting the initiative include the International Trade Centre (ITC), GIZ, ASKY, UNIDO and the Bank of Industry of Nigeria.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
