By: Robert
Kwaku Annor
Four Sierra Leonean startups
have represented the country at the second ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja,
Nigeria, joining 60 startups selected from approximately 10,600 applications
submitted across Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member
states.
The event was held from
September 28 to 30, 2026, with Sierra Leone’s participation facilitated by the
Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation following a request from
the ECOWAS Commission for the country to nominate startups from its six priority
sectors.
The four startups were
Freetown Innovation Lab, represented by Mohamed A. Kamara; Eco-Twist Green
Generation Initiative, represented by David Kamara; Farmers Pride
International, represented by Jehoshaphat S. Konteh; and Jalimi Foods Pikin
Pap, represented by Brenda Minratu Peacock-Sawyerr.
During the three-day
programme, the startups took part in pitch sessions, exhibitions,
masterclasses, startup clinics, investor deal rooms and engagements with
policymakers, entrepreneurs and private-sector stakeholders.
The final awards ceremony
took place on September 30 at the New ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja. Nigeria’s
HubPharm Africa won the US$30,000 grand prize, while Senegal’s Gaynako and Côte
d’Ivoire’s My Opinion placed first and second runners-up, receiving US$20,000
and US$15,000 respectively.
For the Sierra Leonean
startups, participation provided an opportunity to showcase locally developed
solutions on a regional platform, gain visibility beyond Sierra Leone, engage
potential investors and partners, and build connections across the West African
startup ecosystem.
The programme also offered
access to mentorship, business development support and regional opportunities
to support the startups’ growth.
The ceremony 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 private-sector stakeholders, promote knowledge-sharing and expand
access to opportunities across the region.
