ECOWAS Startup Awards: Apply for share of $65,000 before August 31 deadline
By Aboki Forex —
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards, with a total prize pool of $65,000 for the top three startups. Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close at 10:59 p.m. GMT on August 31, 2026.
The programme targets startups across all ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria. Sixty startups will be selected to compete in six priority sectors, with the regional finals scheduled for Abuja in September.
Who can apply and what is on offer
Eligible startups must operate within ECOWAS member states and should be active in one of these sectors: EdTech and Skills Development, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, or Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech. Female-led startups are particularly encouraged to apply.
The three leading startups will share the prize pool as follows: winner gets $30,000, first runner-up gets $20,000, and second runner-up gets $15,000. Beyond cash, selected startups will get access to investor connections, regional networking opportunities, digital tools, mentorship and a six-month post-award acceleration programme.
How to apply
Applicants should visit the official ECOWAS Startup Awards portal at ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org and begin their application. The process requires providing accurate business details, including operations, target customers, the problem the business solves and the solution it offers.
Applicants must clearly explain what makes their product or service different and relevant to a real market need. They should also present their founding team and business model, showing how the startup generates or plans to generate revenue. Startups need to demonstrate ability to scale beyond their current market and highlight potential social and economic impact.
Completed applications must be submitted before August 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to review their information carefully before submitting.
Assessment criteria and schedule
Entries will be assessed on several factors. Problem clarity and solution fit carry 20%, and innovation and originality carry 20%. Team capacity accounts for 15%. Market potential, business viability, social and economic impact, and alignment with ECOWAS priorities each contribute to the assessment. Pitch quality, online voting and data integrity account for the remaining 5%.
Selected participants will take part in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, followed by the physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30. The regional finals and final pitches are scheduled for September 30.
The inaugural ECOWAS Startup Awards were held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021.
What this means for Nigerian startups
For Nigerian founders seeking funding, visibility and entry into the wider West African market, the ECOWAS Startup Awards offer a practical route to regional exposure. With the deadline fast approaching, eligible startups must act quickly to get their applications in before August 31.