The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its second Startup Awards, where HubPharm Africa of Nigeria, led by Co-Founder and CEO Mrs. Tope Kareem, won 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, were first and second runners-up, receiving US$20,000 and US$15,000, respectively. Other finalists included 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, aimed at strengthening connections among entrepreneurs and expanding access to opportunities within the region’s startup ecosystem. In her remarks, Mrs. Kareem expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for supporting African startups.
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