ECOWAS to Honour 60 Start-Ups in Abuja, Announces $65,000 Seed Funding

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to recognise 60 of the region’s most promising start-ups at the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards holding in Abuja from September 21 to 30, 2026.

The 10-day programme is designed to showcase innovative businesses developing solutions across key sectors, including Financial Technology (FinTech), HealthTech, AgriTech, EdTech, CleanTech, Climate Innovation and Tourism Tech.

According to the organisers, the initiative is aimed at promoting digital transformation, strengthening regional integration and creating greater market access for emerging businesses across West Africa.

The programme will feature virtual masterclasses, pitching sessions, exhibitions, networking opportunities and an awards ceremony, bringing participating start-ups together with investors, business leaders and development partners.

The top three start-ups are expected to receive seed funding of US$30,000, US$20,000 and US$15,000 respectively.

The initiative also targets the facilitation of about US$5 million worth of deals across the various thematic tracks, as ECOWAS seeks to deepen investment and collaboration within the region’s growing start-up ecosystem.