Nigerian entrepreneurs and startup founders now have an opportunity to compete for a share of $65,000 in cash prizes under the second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards.
The regional initiative is designed to identify and support innovative businesses across West Africa while promoting digital entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development among member states.
Applications for the 2026 edition opened on August 3 and interested entrepreneurs have until August 31, 2026, to submit their applications...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The programme is expected to select 60 startups from the 12 participating ECOWAS member states. Nigerian startups are eligible to participate provided they meet the stated requirements.
The competition is open to startups operating in six major areas, including education technology and skills development, financial technology, health technology, agriculture technology and food systems, clean technology and climate or green innovation, as well as tourism, hospitality and travel technology.
The initiative offers more than just financial rewards. Successful participants are expected to gain exposure across the West African market, connect with potential investors, network with entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners, and receive further business support.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes, with the overall prize pool amounting to $65,000. Beyond the financial award, selected entrepreneurs will have access to a six month acceleration and mentorship programme, digital tools and other resources intended to help them grow their businesses.
For Nigerian applicants to qualify, the startup must be registered and based in an ECOWAS member country. The founder must also be a citizen of an ECOWAS member state, while the business must have operated for at least two years.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their startup already has a functioning product or service. They must also provide evidence showing that their business has market traction or the potential to scale.
Those interested in applying are required to create an account on the official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal using their full name, email address and password. A telephone number can also be provided.
After creating an account, applicants can access their dashboard and begin the application process. The application form contains several sections and applicants can save their information and continue later if they are unable to complete it at once.
Applicants will need to prepare important documents before submitting their applications. These include a valid national passport or an ECOWAS approved identity document belonging to the lead founder, a recent passport photograph and, where applicable, the company’s business registration certificate.
Applicants are also required to provide two years of financial statements, management accounts or financial projections. A business plan of not more than 10 pages is required, alongside a pitch deck limited to 10 slides.
Another important requirement is a one minute pitch video. The video must be submitted in an accepted format and must not exceed the specified file size.
The selection process will take place in stages. Some startups will be selected through national processes, while other slots will be filled through open applications.
Those who make it through to the final stage will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses before a panel comprising industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders.
The startups will be assessed based on several factors, including how clearly they identify a problem and provide a suitable solution, the originality of their innovation, the strength of their team, market potential, scalability, financial viability and the social and economic impact of their business.
Alignment with ECOWAS development priorities will also form part of the assessment, while the quality of the pitch and other application integrity considerations will contribute to the final evaluation.
Successful applicants will take part in virtual masterclasses scheduled for September 21 to 25, 2026. This will be followed by a physical event in Abuja from September 28 to 30, with the regional finals expected to take place on September 30.
For Nigerian entrepreneurs with innovative businesses that have operated for at least two years, the programme presents an opportunity to secure funding, gain international exposure and connect with potential investors and business partners across West Africa.
However, applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that all requested documents and information are accurate before submitting their applications.
With the August 31 deadline approaching, eligible Nigerian startups interested in competing for the $65,000 prize pool are encouraged to complete their applications early rather than waiting until the final days.
