The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will bring together 60 of West Africa’s most promising startups for the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards, taking place from 21 to 30 September 2026 at the new ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja. The programme is designed to support business growth by connecting startups with investors, business leaders and development partners and opening opportunities for access to new markets.
Held under the theme, “Scaling West African Startups for Digital Transformation, Regional Integration and Sustainable Value Chain Ecosystem Development to drive Market Access,” the initiative will showcase home-grown solutions with the potential to transform businesses, create opportunities and strengthen regional integration.
Connecting Startups With Investment and Markets
The 10-day programme will begin with a Virtual Masterclass from 21 to 25 September. This will be followed by a Pitching, Exhibition and Awards programme from 28 to 30 September.
The programme will provide startups with opportunities to engage with investors, business leaders and development partners. These connections are intended to help businesses strengthen their networks, access investment and explore new markets across the region and beyond.
The 60 participating startups will come from six strategic sectors. These include FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, EdTech and Skills Development, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Tech.
Funding will be another key part of the programme. The top three startups will receive US$30,000, US$20,000 and US$15,000 in seed funding respectively. The programme is also targeting US$5 million in deals across the thematic tracks.
Building a Lasting Platform for Entrepreneurship
The 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards builds on the inaugural Awards held in Niamey in 2021. However, the initiative is intended to go beyond a competition and establish a lasting platform for entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.
A key legacy of the programme will be the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy. The permanent digital learning platform is designed to strengthen the capabilities of startups, entrepreneurs and policymakers in enterprise development, trade and competitiveness.
ECOWAS is working with partners including ITC, GIZ, ASKY, UNIDO and the Bank of Industry of Nigeria to support the initiative.
Through the programme, ECOWAS aims to help turn West Africa’s entrepreneurial activity into scalable enterprises, stronger regional value chains and greater access to markets across the region and beyond.
