The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for its 2026 Startup Awards, with a total cash prize of $65,000 up for grabs among the top three startups.
The second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards is designed to identify, celebrate and support high-impact startups contributing to digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value-chain development across West Africa.
The programme is being convened by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, hosted in Abuja and 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 the inaugural edition held in Niamey, Niger, on November 18 and 19, 2021.
The 2026 edition is expected to bring together 60 startups from ECOWAS Member States and will feature masterclasses, startup clinics, pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms, policy dialogues and post-award acceleration.
