About this opportunity
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards, giving startups across the region, including Nigeria, an opportunity to compete for a total cash prize of $65,000. The programme is designed to identify and support innovative startups while promoting digital entrepreneurship, innovation and economic integration across West Africa.
Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31, 2026. The official application portal lists the
Application timeline
as 10:59 p. m.
GMT on August 31. ( ecowasstartupawards.
ipawas. org ) Here is a step-by-step guide for eligible startups interested in applying.
Table of Contents Toggle
Eligibility
Application steps
How Startups Will Be Selected What Selected Startups Will Get
Eligibility
The awards are open to startups based in ECOWAS member states. The programme will select 60 startups from across the region for participation.
Applicants should have an innovative business operating within one of the six priority sectors: EdTech and Skills Development FinTech HealthTech AgriTech and Food Systems CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech Female-led startups are particularly encouraged to participate.
Application steps
Step 1: Visit the application portal Interested startups should visit the official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal and begin the
Application steps
Step 2: Provide your startup information Applicants will be required to provide relevant details about their startup, including information that demonstrates the nature of the business, the problem it addresses and the solution it offers. Step 3: Explain the innovation Applicants should clearly demonstrate what makes their solution innovative and how it responds to a specific need or challenge.
Step 4: Highlight the team and business model The application should demonstrate the capacity of the team to execute the idea, as well as explain the startup’s business model and financial viability. Step 5: Demonstrate market potential and impact Startups should show the potential of their businesses to scale across markets, alongside their social and economic impact and alignment with ECOWAS priorities.
Step 6: Submit before the
Application timeline
Completed applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required information is provided before submitting their entries.
( ecowasstartupawards. ipawas.
org ) How Startups Will Be Selected Applications will be assessed using several criteria, including problem clarity and solution fit, innovation and originality, team capacity, market potential and scalability, business model and financial viability. Social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities, as well as the quality of the pitch, online voting and data integrity will also form part of the assessment.
The scoring is weighted as follows: Problem clarity and solution fit: 20 per cent Innovation and originality: 20 per cent Team capacity and execution ability: 15 per cent Market potential and scalability: 10 per cent Business model and financial viability: 10 per cent Social and economic impact: 10 per cent Alignment with ECOWAS priorities: 10 per cent Pitch, online voting and data integrity: 5 per cent What Selected Startups Will Get Selected startups will participate in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, 2026, before proceeding to the physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30. The regional finals will take place on September 30, where finalists will pitch their businesses before an independent jury of industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders.
( ecowasstartupawards. ipawas.
org ) The top three startups will share the $65,000 prize pool: First place: $30,000 First runner-up: $20,000 Second runner-up: $15,000 Beyond the cash prizes, participants will have access to regional visibility across ECOWAS member states, investor connections through deal rooms, networking opportunities with founders, policymakers and development partners, and a six-month post-award acceleration and mentorship programme. Participants will also have access to digital tools, including computers, accessories and software.
The second edition follows the inaugural ECOWAS Startup Awards held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021. With applications closing on August 31, startups interested in competing are expected to complete and submit their applications before the
Application timeline
( ecowasstartupawards. ipawas.
org )
Who can apply
- eligible startups interested in applying
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Important disclaimer
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