HubPharm Africa Wins ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja

The second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards took place at the new ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. HubPharm Africa, co-founded and led by Mrs. Tope Kareem, won the grand prize of US$30,000.

The first and second runners-up were Gaynako from Senegal, led by Pape Natango Mbaye, and My Opinion from Côte d’Ivoire, founded and led by Steve Bah Blesson, who received US$20,000 and US$15,000 respectively. Other finalists included Baykart from The Gambia and Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde.

The event also marked the launch of the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and the ECOWAS Startup Networks, aimed at enhancing connections among entrepreneurs and private-sector stakeholders. Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, presented the awards and emphasized the importance of innovation in addressing human-development challenges.

Mr. Peter Oluoye, Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry, congratulated the winners and encouraged all participants to leverage the opportunities created through the awards.