The Economic Community of West African States has officially opened applications for its second annual Startup Awards. This program offers a total prize pool of $65,000 for innovative ventures across the region. Nigerian entrepreneurs are eligible to apply if their startup is registered in an ECOWAS member state and has maintained at least two years of operations.
Applications are currently open and will remain accessible until August 31, 2026. The commission seeks to identify and scale startups in six specific sectors including FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, EdTech, CleanTech, and TravelTech. Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate a clear business model, market traction, and a scalable product to compete for the top prizes.
The selection process includes a rigorous evaluation of business plans, pitch decks, and financial history. Finalists will move on to virtual masterclasses in September before presenting their work at a regional event in Abuja from September 28 to 30. Winners receive cash prizes, with $20,000 for the first runner-up and $15,000 for the second runner-up. The top prize figure is part of the total $65,000 allocation.
Beyond the capital, the program provides six months of professional mentorship and acceleration. Participants also gain access to regional deal rooms where they can connect with investors, policymakers, and various development partners. This initiative serves as a platform to increase visibility for startups while contributing to broader digital entrepreneurship and economic integration goals within West Africa.
Interested business owners can access the official application portal at ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org. The application includes ten distinct sections, and users are encouraged to prepare required documents such as business registration certificates, two years of financial statements, and a one-minute pitch video. All entries are scored based on innovation, team capacity, and social impact.