The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is preparing the ECOWAS Start-up Awards, a regional competition aimed at supporting startups and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises across West Africa. The competition targets businesses in fintech, agriculture, education, clean technology, climate action, tourism and other innovative sectors, with the winner set to receive $30,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.
Around 6,000 applications have already been submitted since the application portal opened on August 3. Sixty shortlisted startups will receive coaching and masterclasses before 20 finalists compete in the final scheduled for September 28. ECOWAS also plans to connect participants with investors, financial institutions and development partners to improve access to funding, technology and regional markets.
