ECOWAS Launches $65,000 Startup Awards for Innovators

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the opening of applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards, which offers a total of $65,000 in cash prizes to innovative startups from the region, including Nigeria. The announcement was made on ECOWAS's X handle on a Monday.

The awards aim to identify, celebrate, and scale innovative startups while promoting digital entrepreneurship and economic integration in West Africa. Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31, 2026.

Selected startups will engage in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, 2026, followed by a physical event in Abuja from September 28 to 30, culminating in the regional finals on September 30. The program targets 60 startups from 12 ECOWAS member states across six sectors.

Winners will receive $20,000 for the first runner-up and $15,000 for the second runner-up, along with additional benefits such as visibility, access to investors, and a six-month mentorship program.