ECOWAS to award $65,000 to 60 West African startups

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the second edition of the ECOWAS Start-up Awards, scheduled for September 28 in Abuja, Nigeria. The initiative aims to strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and foster a robust innovation ecosystem across the West African sub-region.

From an initial pool of over 6,000 applicants, 60 startups have been selected to participate. These businesses will focus on key sectors including fintech, agri-tech, ed-tech, cleantech, climate innovation, and tourism. Beyond the competition, all 60 participants will undergo masterclass coaching to address challenges such as market penetration, financial models, and regulatory compliance.

The competition features a total prize pool of $65,000 (approximately N91 million). The overall winner will receive $30,000, while the first and second runners-up will be awarded $20,000 and $15,000, respectively. The program is designed to help tech-led businesses navigate early-stage growth and scale into sustainable enterprises.