Abuja has become the centre of West Africa’s emerging startup economy as 60 young companies selected from more than 6,000 applications compete in the second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards.
The 10-day programme, which began on September 21 and will run until September 30, combines virtual masterclasses, startup clinics, exhibitions, investor engagement and a live regional pitch finale scheduled for September 30.
The initiative, organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries and the investment promotion agencies of West African states, is designed to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and job creation across the region.
The 60 participating startups were selected from all 12 ECOWAS member states and are operating across six key sectors: EdTech and Skills Development; FinTech; HealthTech; AgriTech and Food Systems; CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation; and Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech.
From the 60 startups, 20 finalists will be selected to pitch before an independent jury comprising industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders.
The top three startups will share $65,000 in seed funding, with $30,000 going to the winner, $20,000 to the first runner-up and $15,000 to the second runner-up.
Beyond the prize money, organisers are targeting approximately $5 million in investment deals across the six thematic areas, potentially providing participating businesses with access to capital beyond the competition itself.
The physical phase of the programme will take place in Abuja from September 28 to 30, with about 300 participants expected, including startups, technology hubs and accelerators, investors, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners.
The ECOWAS Commission said the programme was established to address some of the persistent challenges confronting startups in the region, particularly limited managerial capacity, inadequate access to finance, weak market linkages and regulatory barriers.
Oluonye Peter, Acting Director, Private Sector and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, said the initiative was designed to mobilise innovation and help promising startups translate ideas into commercially viable enterprises.
According to him, many founders had developed solutions capable of disrupting existing systems but struggled to commercialise their products because of inadequate market preparation.
Peter said ECOWAS was therefore moving beyond simply awarding prize money by providing sustained support to successful participants.
“We have realised that it’s not just enough to hand over a cheque to the winner. We want to accompany the winner to the point where the firm becomes a success story, and we are able to showcase them as inspirations to the youth,” he said.
Under the programme, winners are expected to receive a six-month post-award acceleration and mentorship package designed to support their transition from early-stage operations to growth-stage businesses.
The programme will also facilitate connections with venture capital firms, impact investors and financial institutions.
Henry Emejuo, Director-General of the Pan African Alliance for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, said the awards were intended to support the broader economic integration mandate of ECOWAS.
“ECOWAS is an important tool for economic integration. If you may remember, the core mandate of the ECOWAS Commission is to drive economic integration among member states,” Emejuo said.
The inaugural ECOWAS Startup Awards was held in Niamey, Niger Republic, from November 18 to 20, 2021, attracting 55 startups from 11 member states. Following the outcome of the maiden edition, ECOWAS Heads of State directed that the programme be institutionalised.
Applications for the 2026 edition opened on August 3 and closed on August 31, with the official application portal recording more than 6,000 submissions.
The 2026 edition comes as West African governments intensify efforts to promote entrepreneurship, digital innovation, private-sector development and employment opportunities for the region’s large youth population.
The top three startups will be unveiled at the regional final in Abuja on September 30.
