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 ECOWAS Commission announced the award on its X handle on Monday, saying it aims to identify, celebrate and scale innovative startups while advancing digital entrepreneurship, innovation and economic integration in the region.
According to the commission, the prize package has been increased from $40,000 in the inaugural edition held in 2021 to $65,000 in the second edition, reflecting the growing importance of innovation in regional development.
The first ECOWAS Startup Awards, held in Niamey, Niger in November 2021, featured 50 participants drawn from member states, with winners receiving support to scale their businesses beyond domestic markets.
For the 2026 edition, the number of participants has been increased to 60, who will be drawn through a combination of open applications and national startup programmes across the 15 member states of the regional body.
The programme is aimed at helping promising businesses gain greater visibility, access investment opportunities and scale beyond their domestic markets into other West African countries and beyond.
Applications for the 2026 edition opened on August 3 and will close on August 31, 2026, while the regional finals will hold in Abuja on September 30, where the top startups will be selected and awarded.
DailyVista247 gathered that the awards will focus on startups that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and impact in areas such as digital transformation, sustainable development, and regional value chains that connect economies across West Africa.
The Director-General of the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industry, Dr. Henry Emejuo, said the 60 participants for the 2026 edition would be drawn through a combination of open applications and national startup programmes to ensure wide representation.
He explained that the selection process will prioritize startups that show potential for regional integration, job creation, and contribution to the digital economy of the sub-region.
The ECOWAS official also disclosed that the competition is open to early-stage and growth-stage startups operating in member states, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and other countries in the bloc.
Startups across West Africa can now apply for the 2026 awards through the official ECOWAS portal, with the regional competition offering $65,000 in cash prizes to the top three winners who will be announced at the Abuja finals.
The commission stated that beyond the cash prizes, winners will benefit from mentorship, investor linkages, and exposure to regional markets, providing them with platforms to scale their innovations.
The launch of the second edition comes as West Africa continues to witness growth in its startup ecosystem, with increasing interest from investors and development partners in supporting youth-led innovations.
Organizers say the awards will not only celebrate innovation but also strengthen the startup ecosystem in West Africa by connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth and cross-border collaboration.
Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications before the August 31 deadline and ensure they meet the criteria for innovation, scalability and regional impact as outlined by the commission.
