By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Newspaper
Sierra Leonean startups have been called to compete for a share of US$65,000 in the 2026 ECOWAS Startup Awards, as the regional bloc opens applications to support innovation and entrepreneurship across West Africa.
The Economic Community of West African States launched the second edition of the awards on August 3, 2026. Applications will close on August 31, giving entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone and 11 other ECOWAS member states the opportunity to vie for cash prizes, regional recognition and business development support.
According to ECOWAS, the programme aims to identify and promote startups driving digital innovation, job creation and economic integration in the region.
Sixty startups will be selected from across the region to compete in six key sectors: EdTech and Skills Development, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, CleanTech, Climate and Green Innovation, and Tourism, Hospitality and TravelTech.
For Sierra Leone, the awards provide a platform for locally developed businesses using technology to address challenges in agriculture, education, health, finance, climate resilience and tourism to gain visibility beyond the domestic market.
The total prize money of US$65,000 will be distributed as US$30,000 for the winner, US$20,000 for the first runner-up, and US$15,000 for the second runner-up.
In addition to cash, winning startups will benefit from increased regional visibility, access to investors through deal rooms, networking with entrepreneurs and policymakers, and a six-month acceleration and mentorship programme. Winners will also receive digital tools including computers, accessories and software.
The selection process will take place in two stages. During the national phase, each member state will nominate part of its allocated startups while the rest will be selected through open applications.
Startups that advance will proceed to the regional finals in Abuja, Nigeria, where they will pitch before an independent jury of industry experts, investors and policy stakeholders on September 30, 2026.
Ahead of the finals, selected startups will participate in virtual masterclasses from September 21 to 25, followed by a physical programme in Abuja from September 28 to 30.
Applicants will be assessed on problem clarity, innovation, team capacity, market potential, scalability, business model, financial viability, social and economic impact, alignment with ECOWAS priorities, and quality of their pitch.
Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs interested in applying can register at the official portal: http://ecowasstartupawards.ipawas.org. Applicants must provide their full name, email address, telephone number and create a password of at least 10 characters. The application form covers sections A to J and can be saved as a draft.
The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2026.
For more information contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com
