Nigerian startup Hubpharm Africa and Services has emerged as the overall winner of the second edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Startup Awards, taking home the $30,000 top prize.
The health technology company, led by its co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tope Kareem, emerged ahead of startups from across the West African sub-region.
Senegalese startup Gaynako, led by Pape Natango Mbaye, was named first runner-up and received $20,000, while Côte d’Ivoire’s myOpinion, founded and led by Steve Bah Blesson, emerged as second runner-up and won $15,000.
The three winners were selected from a final shortlist of five startups, following a competitive process that attracted about 1,500 entries.
A total of 60 startups were shortlisted for the awards, representing six strategic sectors: EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech and Food Systems, CleanTech and Green Innovation, and Tourism and Hospitality.
The ECOWAS Commission also announced the establishment of a Private Sector Development Academy aimed at providing emerging entrepreneurs across the region with relevant information, training and support.
Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, said he would propose increasing the first prize from $30,000 to $50,000 to make the awards more competitive and attractive.
He said the initiative would also be sustained as an annual event, noting that the first edition was held in 2021.
Zuo urged the participating entrepreneurs to look beyond business innovation and see themselves as leaders capable of creating lasting impact in their communities and across the world.
He said the 60 participants would receive post-event support, including a six-month acceleration programme, mentorship, access to investors and admission into the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy.
Zuo also cited Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote as an example of how entrepreneurs could grow from modest beginnings into globally recognised business leaders.
He encouraged the startups to remain focused on building sustainable businesses capable of contributing to economic development across West Africa.
