Business
How Nigerians Can Apply For ECOWAS $65,000 Startup Award
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has started accepting applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards.
ECOWAS Startup Award Application
The ECOWAS is offering a total of $65,000 in cash prizes to promising businesses across West Africa, including Nigeria.
The Commission announced the programme on its X account on Monday, saying the initiative is designed to discover and support innovative startups while promoting digital entrepreneurship, technology and economic growth across the region.
The latest edition comes after the first ECOWAS Startup Awards, which took place in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021.
Applications for the 2026 edition opened on August 3 and will close on August 31, 2026.
A total of 60 startups from the 12 ECOWAS member states will be selected.
The programme covers six major areas: education and skills development, financial technology, healthcare technology, agriculture and food systems, clean technology and green innovation, and tourism, hospitality and travel technology.
Selected startups will take part in virtual masterclasses and startup clinics from September 21 to 25.
This will be followed by a physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30, with the regional finals scheduled for September 30.
Cash prizes for the top startups
The competition offers $65,000 in total prize money, which will be shared among the three best-performing startups.
- Winner: $30,000
- First runner-up: $20,000
- Second runner-up: $15,000
The benefits go beyond the financial rewards. Selected startups will gain exposure across the ECOWAS region and have opportunities to meet investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
They will also receive mentorship, participate in a six-month acceleration programme and gain access to digital resources such as computers, software and other accessories.
Six sectors covered
Startups applying for the programme must operate in one of six priority areas.
EdTech and Skills Development: Businesses using technology to improve education, training and skills development.
FinTech: Startups providing technology-based financial products or services.
HealthTech: Companies developing technology solutions for healthcare delivery and related services.
AgriTech and Food Systems: Businesses using technology to improve agriculture, food production and related systems.
CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation: Startups developing solutions focused on clean energy, environmental protection, climate action and sustainability.
Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech: Businesses developing technology and services for tourism, travel and hospitality.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must satisfy several conditions before they can enter the competition.
They must be citizens of an ECOWAS member state and operate a startup that is registered and based in an ECOWAS country.
The business must have been operating for at least two years and must already have a functioning product or service. Applicants must also be able to show evidence of market traction or the potential to scale.
All required application documents must also be submitted.
Documents applicants need
Startups are expected to prepare several documents before completing their applications. These include:
- A completed application form covering Sections A to J.
- A national passport or ECOWAS-approved identification document for the lead founder.
- A recent colour passport photograph.
- Business registration documents, where applicable.
- Two years of financial statements, management accounts or financial projections.
- A business plan of no more than 10 pages, using single spacing and Times New Roman, size 12.
- A pitch deck containing no more than 10 slides.
- A one-minute pitch video in MP4, MOV or WebM format, with a maximum file size of 100MB.
How will the startups be selected?
The selection process will be conducted in two stages.
During the national selection stage, each ECOWAS member state will nominate half of its allocated startup slots. The remaining slots will be filled through applications submitted directly by startups, meaning businesses do not have to receive a national nomination to qualify.
Those who make it to the final stage will travel to Abuja to present their businesses before an independent regional jury.
The panel will include professionals from the business, investment and policy sectors. Winners will be selected based on the judges’ scores and overall consensus.
Judges will also be required to follow rules covering confidentiality and conflicts of interest.
Key dates
The important dates for the 2026 ECOWAS Startup Awards are:
- August 3, 2026: Applications opened
- August 31, 2026: Application deadline
- September 21–25, 2026: Virtual masterclasses and startup clinics
- September 28–30, 2026: Physical event in Abuja, including pitches, exhibitions and investor sessions
- September 30, 2026: Regional finals and final pitches
How To Apply For ECOWAS Startup Award
Interested startups can access the ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal and create an account using their name, email address, telephone number and a password.
After registration, applicants can log into their dashboard and begin a new application.
The form covers Sections A to J and can be saved and completed later.
Applicants should have all the required documents ready before submitting their entries, including identification, business registration documents, financial records, business plan, pitch deck and one-minute pitch video.
The judging process will consider several factors, including how clearly the startup identifies a problem and provides a solution, innovation, team strength, market potential, financial viability, social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities and the quality and integrity of the pitch.
Each area carries a specific score, with problem-solution fit and innovation receiving the highest individual weighting at 20% each.
Interested participants, can apply for the ECOWAS Startup Award here: https://ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org/
ALSO READ: How Nigerian Students Can Apply For NANS Business Grant
