The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for its 2026 Startup Awards, with a total cash prize of $65,000 up for grabs among the top three startups from across the region, including Nigeria. The 2026 edition is expected to bring together 60 startups from ECOWAS Member States and will feature masterclasses, startup clinics, pitch competitions, exhibitions, investor deal rooms, policy dialogues and post-award acceleration. They must:Be a citizen of an ECOWAS Member State. Business registration certificate issued in an ECOWAS Member State, where applicable. National selectionEach ECOWAS Member State will nominate half of its allocated slots.