ECOWAS CELEBRATES INNOVATION AS HUBPHARM AFRICA WINS SECOND STARTUP AWARDS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, has successfully concluded the second edition of the ECOWAS Startup Awards, held on 30 September 2026 at the New ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja.

HubPharm Africa of Nigeria, led by its Co-Founder and CEO, Mrs. Tope Kareem, emerged as the winner of the US$30,000 grand prize. Gaynako of Senegal, led by Pape Natango Mbaye, and My Opinion of Côte d’Ivoire, founded and led by Steve Bah Blesson, emerged as the first and second runners-up, receiving US$20,000 and US$15,000, respectively. Other finalists were Baykart from The Gambia and Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde.

The ceremony also featured the launch of the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and the ECOWAS Startup Networks. 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.

Speaking after receiving the award, Co-Founder and CEO of HubPharm Africa, Mrs. Tope 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, Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, said the awards were designed to recognise innovations capable of addressing major human-development challenges beyond national borders.