The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is positioning its Startup Awards as a platform to tackle two of the biggest challenges facing young businesses in the region: access to finance and entry into wider markets.
More than 6,000 startups have expressed interest in the second edition of the awards, but ECOWAS says the initiative will go beyond identifying winners by building a pipeline of businesses capable of expanding across West Africa and competing in the wider African market.
At a news conference at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, the Acting Director of the Private Sector and Industry at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Peter Oluwole, said the programme was designed to provide practical support to entrepreneurs rather than simply celebrate their achievements.
> “It’s not just about winning. It is about giving the resources to run your business, and to go forward with your business,” he said.
According to ECOWAS, 60 startups will be selected for training in business management, startup clinics and capacity building, after which 20 finalists will proceed to the final competition.
The three leading startups will receive seed funding of $30,000, $20,000 and $15,000 respectively. But ECOWAS says access to investors and markets could prove as important as the prize money.
The selected businesses will be connected with venture capitalists, impact investors, financial institutions and development partners, with the aim of helping them secure additional financing and establish cross-border partnerships.
The programme is also expected to help startups take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area by exposing them to markets beyond their countries of origin.
The awards will target businesses operating in areas including fintech, health technology, agriculture and food systems, education and skills development, clean technology, climate innovation, tourism and travel technology.
ECOWAS says particular attention will be given to women, young entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities, reflecting efforts to make regional economic opportunities more inclusive.
Director-General of the Pan-African Alliance for Small and Medium Industries, Dr Henry Emejuo, described the initiative as an important tool for regional economic integration.
He said strengthening the capacity of startups could contribute to ECOWAS’ wider objective of deepening economic cooperation among member states.
The competition is scheduled to run from 21 to 30 September 2026, beginning with a virtual masterclass, followed by pitching sessions and the final awards.
ECOWAS says independent assessors will screen the more than 6,000 applications and select the 60 businesses to participate.
The broader objective, however, is to ensure that promising West African startups do not remain confined to their domestic markets, but develop the capacity, financing and partnerships needed to become regional businesses.
