The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the second edition of its Startup Awards, giving startups across the region, including Nigeria, an opportunity to compete for a total cash prize of $65,000.

The programme seeks to identify and support innovative startups while advancing digital entrepreneurship, innovation and economic integration across West Africa.

Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and will close on August 31, 2026. The official application portal states that submissions will close at 10:59 p.m. GMT on August 31. ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal

Startups based in ECOWAS member states are eligible to apply, with 60 startups from across the region expected to be selected for participation.

Applicants must have an innovative business operating within one of six priority sectors: EdTech and Skills Development, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech.

Female-led startups are particularly encouraged to participate.

Interested businesses are required to begin their applications through the official ECOWAS Startup Awards portal and provide relevant information about their startups, including the nature of their businesses, the problems they address and the solutions they offer.

Applicants must clearly explain the innovative elements of their solutions and demonstrate how they respond to specific needs or challenges. They are also expected to outline the capacity of their teams to execute their ideas, alongside their business models and financial viability.

The application process further requires startups to demonstrate market potential, including their ability to scale across markets, as well as their social and economic impact and alignment with ECOWAS priorities.

Completed applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026, with applicants advised to ensure that all required information is provided before submission. Official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal

Applications will be evaluated across several areas, including problem clarity and solution fit, innovation and originality, team capacity, market potential and scalability, business model and financial viability.

The assessment will also consider social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities, as well as the quality of the pitch, online voting and data integrity.

The scoring structure is as follows:

• Problem clarity and solution fit: 20 per cent
• Innovation and originality: 20 per cent
• Team capacity and execution ability: 15 per cent
• Market potential and scalability: 10 per cent
• Business model and financial viability: 10 per cent
• Social and economic impact: 10 per cent
• Alignment with ECOWAS priorities: 10 per cent
• Pitch, online voting and data integrity: 5 per cent

Selected startups will first participate in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, 2026, before moving to the physical programme scheduled for September 28 to 30 in Abuja.

The regional finals will take place on September 30, when finalists will pitch their businesses before an independent jury comprising industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders. ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal

The top three startups will share the $65,000 prize pool, with $30,000 going to the first-place winner, $20,000 to the first runner-up and $15,000 to the second runner-up.

Beyond the financial rewards, selected participants will receive regional visibility across ECOWAS member states and gain access to investor connections through deal rooms.

They will also have networking opportunities with founders, policymakers and development partners, alongside a six-month post-award acceleration and mentorship programme.

Participants will additionally have access to digital tools, including computers, accessories and software.

The second edition follows the inaugural ECOWAS Startup Awards, which was held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021.

With the application window closing on August 31, startups seeking to compete in the regional programme are expected to complete and submit their entries before the deadline. ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal

Source: MSME Africa Online