ECOWAS promotes regional growth through startup awards and women's trade initiatives

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 2nd Startup Awards in Abuja to promote regional integration, industrialization, and job creation. The competition received 6,679 registrations from 12 member states, resulting in 60 finalists across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agriculture, and cleantech. Supported by the International Trade Centre, these finalists will participate in a six-month acceleration program and mentorship. The top three winners are set to receive prizes of $30,000, $20,000, and $15,000.

In a related effort to bolster regional economic participation, officials are calling for the removal of barriers facing women entrepreneurs. During an ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association masterclass in Accra, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey emphasized the need for policies that address limited access to finance and digital technologies. The goal is to transition women from being mere beneficiaries of economic programs to becoming active producers, exporters, and investors within global value chains.