Ikechukwu Samuel
The Economic Community of West African States has thrown open the doors for the second edition of its Startup Awards, offering a total prize purse of $65,000 to innovative startups from across the region—including Nigeria.
For young entrepreneurs with big ideas and working products, this is more than just a competition. It is a launchpad.
What the Award Is All About
The ECOWAS Commission announced the programme on its X handle on Monday, describing it as a platform to identify, celebrate, and scale groundbreaking startups while advancing digital entrepreneurship and economic integration across West Africa.
The inaugural edition was held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021. Now, the second edition promises even greater visibility and rewards.
Key Dates to Remember
If you are interested, time is of the essence. Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31, 2026.
Selected startups will then take part in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, 2026, before gathering for a physical event in Abuja from September 28 to 30. The regional finals will climax on September 30.
Who Can Apply
The programme is targeting 60 startups from the 12 ECOWAS member states. Applicants must operate in one of six key sectors:
EdTech and Skills Development
FinTech
HealthTech
AgriTech and Food Systems
CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation
Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech
What Winners Stand to Gain
The top prize is $30,000**. The first runner-up will receive **$20,000, while the second runner-up goes home with $15,000.
But the rewards do not stop at cash.
Winners will also enjoy:
Regional visibility across all member states
Access to investors through exclusive deal rooms
Networking opportunities with founders, policymakers, and development partners
A six-month post-award acceleration and mentorship programme
Digital tools including computers, accessories, and software
Eligibility Requirements for Nigerians
To be considered, applicants must:
Be citizens of any ECOWAS member state (Nigeria inclusive)
Operate a startup registered and based in an ECOWAS country
Have at least two years of operations
Demonstrate a working product or service
Show evidence of market traction or scalability
Submit all required documentation
How to Apply
Interested Nigerians should visit the official application portal at https://ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org/.
Create an account using your full name, email address, and a password of at least 10 characters. A telephone number is optional but recommended.
Once registered, log in to your dashboard and start a new application. The form is divided into Sections A through J, and you can save your progress as a draft at any point.
Documents You Will Need
Prepare the following before you begin:
National passport or ECOWAS-approved identity document of the lead founder
Recent passport photograph
Business registration certificate (issued in an ECOWAS member state, if applicable)
Two years of financial statements, management accounts, or projections
Business plan (maximum 10 pages, single spacing, Times New Roman 12)
Pitch deck (maximum 10 slides)
One-minute pitch video (MP4, MOV, or WebM, maximum 100 MB)
How the Selection Process Works
Selection happens in two phases.
In the national selection phase, each member state nominates half of its allocated slots, while the remaining half comes from open public applications.
Finalists then proceed to the regional finals in Abuja, where they will pitch before an independent jury of industry experts, investors, and policy stakeholders.
What Judges Are Looking For
Applications are scored based on the following criteria:
Problem clarity and solution fit – 20%
Innovation and originality – 20%
Team capacity and execution ability – 15%
Market potential and scalability – 10%
Business model and financial viability – 10%
Social and economic impact – 10%
Alignment with ECOWAS priorities – 10%
Pitch, online voting, and data integrity – 5%
Final Word to Entrepreneurs
This is your moment. If you have a startup that solves real problems and has the potential to scale across West Africa, do not let this opportunity pass.
Visit the portal today, prepare your documents, and take that bold step toward regional recognition and funding. The future of West African innovation starts with you.
