HubPharm Africa, a Nigerian healthcare startup led by CEO Tope Kareem, won the US$30,000 grand prize at the second ECOWAS Startup Awards on 30 September 2026 in Abuja.
Gaynako of Senegal, led by Pape Natango Mbaye, took the first runner-up position with US$20,000, while My Opinion of Côte d’Ivoire, founded and led by Steve Bah Blesson, received US$15,000 as second runner-up.
Baykart from The Gambia and Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde were the other finalists.
The ceremony also saw the launch of the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and the ECOWAS Startup Networks.
According to the Commission, the initiatives are designed to strengthen connections among entrepreneurs and other private-sector stakeholders, promote knowledge-sharing, and expand access to opportunities within the region’s growing startup ecosystem.
Kareem expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for believing in African startups and creating a platform through which innovative businesses can gain recognition and opportunities for growth.
She also congratulated her fellow finalists and acknowledged the efforts of the other participating startups.
Presenting the award on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, said the awards were designed to recognise innovations capable of addressing major human-development challenges beyond national borders.
Zuo commended all participating startups for their innovation, resilience, and commitment to developing solutions to challenges within their communities.
He reaffirmed the importance of entrepreneurship and private-sector development in advancing economic transformation and regional integration in West Africa, and urged participants to see themselves not only as business innovators but also as leaders committed to creating positive impact within their communities and beyond.
Peter Oluoye, Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry, also congratulated the winners and all participating startups, encouraging them to build on the opportunities created through the awards.
He expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners, and staff of the Commission whose collective efforts contributed to the successful delivery of the programme.
The three leading startups represented diverse areas of innovation.
HubPharm Africa operates in the healthcare and pharmaceutical-access space; Gaynako develops solutions for converting invasive Typha plants into livestock feed; while My Opinion reflects the growing diversity of innovative solutions emerging from the region.
The launch of the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and ECOWAS Startup Networks, alongside the conclusion of the awards, marks another step in the Commission’s efforts to build a stronger and more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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