ECOWAS to offer $65,000 to Nigerian startups — How to apply

ECOWAS has launched the second edition of its Startup Awards, offering a total of $65,000 in cash prizes to Nigerian and other West African startups. Applications are currently open, with submissions due by August 31, 2026. The program, organized by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, is being implemented in collaboration with the Pan African Alliance of Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI) and the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS). The initiative aims to recognize and support startups driving digital transformation, regional integration, and sustainable development across the region. The 2026 edition of the Startup Awards is expected to attract 60 startups from the 12 ECOWAS member states. These startups will compete across six key sectors: EdTech and Skills Development, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech. The competition builds on the success of the first edition, which took place in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021. This year's event will feature a combination of virtual and in-person activities, starting with online masterclasses from September 21 to 25, followed by a physical gathering in Abuja from September 28 to 30, concluding with the regional finals on September 30. The cash prize structure includes $30,000 for the winner, $20,000 for the first runner-up, and $15,000 for the second runner-up. Beyond monetary rewards, selected startups will gain regional exposure, access to investors through dedicated deal rooms, and opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. They will also benefit from a six-month post-award acceleration program, along with mentorship and access to essential digital tools such as computers, accessories, and software. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of an ECOWAS member state and operate a registered startup based within one of these countries. Startups must have been operational for at least two years, demonstrate a functional product or service, and show evidence of market traction or scalability. All candidates are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents, including a completed application form covering Sections A through J, a valid national passport or ECOWAS-approved ID, a recent passport-sized photo, a business registration certificate, two years of financial records, a business plan limited to 10 pages, a pitch deck with no more than 10 slides, and a one-minute pitch video in specified formats. The selection process consists of two stages. Initially, each ECOWAS member state will nominate half of the available spots, while the remaining half will be filled through open public applications. Finalists will then present their pitches during the regional finals in Abuja, judged by an independent panel composed of industry experts, investors, and policy professionals. The evaluation criteria include problem clarity and solution fit, innovation and originality, team capability and execution, market potential and scalability, business model and financial viability, social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities, and the quality of the pitch or online voting data. Interested applicants can apply via the official website at https://ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org/. Registration requires a full name, email address, optional phone number, and a password of at least 10 characters. Once logged in, participants can begin the application process, saving progress as needed. The deadline for submitting all required documents is August 31, 2026. Selected startups will be notified ahead of the virtual and in-person events scheduled for late September.