Nigerian startup founders can now apply for the 2026 ECOWAS Startup Awards, with the regional competition offering a total of $65,000 in cash prizes to the top three winners.
The second edition of the awards is aimed at identifying and supporting high-impact startups contributing to digital transformation, regional integration and sustainable value-chain development across West Africa.
The programme is being organised by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Private Sector and Industry and will be hosted in Abuja. It is being jointly implemented by the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries and the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States.
Under the prize structure, the overall winner will receive $30,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.
Beyond the cash awards, selected startups will benefit from regional exposure, investor introductions, mentorship, networking opportunities with founders and policymakers, and a six-month acceleration programme.
They will also have access to digital tools, including computers, accessories and software.
The 2026 competition is open to startups operating in six sectors — EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, CleanTech and TravelTech.
To qualify, applicants must be citizens of an ECOWAS member state, operate a registered and locally based startup, have been in operation for at least two years and have a working product or service.
Applicants must also demonstrate market traction or scalability and submit all required documentation.
The organisers expect the programme to bring together 60 startups from across ECOWAS member states. Activities will include masterclasses, startup clinics, pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms and policy dialogues.
The selection process will be conducted in two stages. Member states will nominate some startups, while the remaining slots will be filled through applications submitted by the general public.
Finalists will pitch before an independent regional jury in Abuja, with winners selected based on scoring and consensus by judges drawn from industry, investment and policy backgrounds.
Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31.
Virtual masterclasses and startup clinics are scheduled for September 21–25, while the physical event, including the pitch competition, exhibitions and investor sessions, will take place in Abuja from September 28–30.
Eligible Nigerian founders and other entrepreneurs across ECOWAS are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and prepare the required documents, including a business registration certificate, financial records or projections, business plan, pitch deck and a one-minute pitch video.
(The Sun)