A Night of Celebration for African Innovation
The New ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, became a beacon of hope and creativity on 30 September 2026, as the second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards brought together West Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. Organised by the ECOWAS Commission through its Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, the event was more than a competition. It was a powerful statement that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its young innovators, and that regional cooperation can turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
HubPharm Africa Claims the Grand Prize
The star of the evening was Nigeria’s own HubPharm Africa, a health-tech company led by Co-Founder and CEO Mrs Tope Kareem. The startup, which operates in the healthcare and pharmaceutical-access space, emerged as the overall winner, taking home the US$30,000 grand prize. HubPharm Africa’s platform serves more than 10,200 chronic patients across Nigeria and eleven other countries, connecting them to essential medicines and clinical support. Mrs Kareem, a licensed clinical pharmacist with over thirteen years of experience, expressed deep gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for believing in African startups and creating a platform where innovative businesses can gain recognition and opportunities for growth.
Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire Shine Among Finalists
The competition was fierce, with startups from across the region demonstrating that innovation knows no borders. Gaynako of Senegal, led by Pape Natango Mbaye, claimed the first runner-up position and received US$20,000. The Senegalese startup has developed a creative solution for converting invasive Typha plants into livestock feed, turning an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity. My Opinion of Côte d’Ivoire, founded and led by Steve Bah Blesson, took the second runner-up spot with a US$15,000 prize. Other finalists included Baykart from The Gambia and Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde, both of whom impressed judges with their innovative approaches.
Two Major Initiatives Launched to Support Founders and Entrepreneurs
The ceremony also featured the launch of two major initiatives designed to support founders and entrepreneurs long after the competition ends. The ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy will provide online learning and practical training to help entrepreneurs build stronger business models and improve their readiness for investment. Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Startup Networks aims to strengthen connections among entrepreneurs and private-sector stakeholders, promote knowledge-sharing, and expand access to opportunities across the region.
A Platform for Regional Growth and Integration
Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mr Dehpue Yenpea Zuo said the awards were designed to recognise innovations capable of addressing major human-development challenges beyond national borders. He commended all participating startups for their innovation, resilience, and commitment to developing solutions to challenges within their communities, and urged them to see themselves not only as business innovators but also as leaders committed to creating positive impact. Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry Mr. Peter Oluoye also congratulated the winners and encouraged them to build on the opportunities created through the awards.
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Setting a Stage for Greater Things to Come
The success of the second ECOWAS Startup Awards has set the stage for even greater things to come. ECOWAS has announced plans to increase the first prize from US$30,000 to US$50,000, making the competition more attractive and competitive for entrepreneurs across the region. The awards will also become an annual event, institutionalising a platform that began with its first edition in 2021. For Africa, this event which was colored by the showcasing of innovations by several startups signifies a region that is creating pathways for young innovators to turn their ideas into enterprises that can create jobs, solve local problems, and compete on a global stage.
