“ECOWAS Opens $65,000 Startup Awards 2026: How Nigerian Entrepreneurs Can Apply Before August 31″The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the second edition of its West African Startups Awards, creating a new opportunity for innovative businesses across the region, including Nigeria, to compete for a combined $65,000 in cash prizes. According to details published by PUNCH on Tuesday, August 11, applications opened on August 3 and will close on August 31, 2026. The initiative builds on the inaugural West African Startups Awards held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2021, where 55 contestants from 11 ECOWAS member states participated. How Nigerians Can ApplyInterested Nigerian startup founders can apply through the official ECOWAS Startup Awards application portal. With the August 31 deadline approaching, eligible Nigerian startups are advised to verify their documentation, prepare a concise business case and submit their applications through the official platform before the closing date.