Nigerian healthtech startup HubPharm Africa won the second ECOWAS Startup Awards, securing the US$30,000 grand prize at the New ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja on 30 September 2026. The company, led by co-founder and CEO Tope Kareem, outperformed four other finalists from across West Africa in a competition with a total prize pool of US$65,000. The event also launched new platforms aimed at strengthening the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Winners and Prize Distribution
Senegal's Gaynako placed second and received US$20,000, while Côte d'Ivoire's My Opinion placed third with US$15,000. The five finalists also included Baykart from The Gambia and Afrikan Coders from Cabo Verde. In addition to cash, the top three startups gained access to potential investment opportunities valued at up to US$5 million through investor deal rooms.
HubPharm's Healthcare Focus
HubPharm Africa builds clinical operations and a medicine supply-chain platform serving more than 10,200 chronic-care patients across Nigeria and 11 other countries within 28 months. Kareem is a licensed clinical pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy operations, supply chain management, and patient services. She co-founded the company with Sesan Kareem and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and an Entrepreneurship Development Certificate from Lagos Business School.
Support Beyond Prize Money
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Dehpue Yenpea Zuo said the awards promote entrepreneurship that addresses practical challenges across West Africa. He indicated that all 60 selected startups would receive post-event support, including a six-month acceleration programme, mentorship, investor access, and entry into the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy. Zuo also said he would seek approval to raise the first prize from US$30,000 to US$50,000 and make the awards an annual event.
New Platforms for Entrepreneurs
Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry Peter Oluonye outlined three initiatives designed to support startups after the competition. The ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy will provide e-learning on managerial skills, investor readiness, access to finance, product development, and market access. The ECOWAS Startup Network and investor networks will help founders build partnerships, share knowledge, and strengthen regional value chains.
Monitoring Winners and Building the Ecosystem
Oluonye said the Commission would follow how winners use the prize money, with the aim of reporting on their progress within two years. The Commission also thanked partners including GIZ, the International Trade Centre, Ecobank, and innovation hubs for supporting the programme. These efforts mark another step in building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem across West Africa.
Cross-Border Growth Through Partnership
Kareem said the award created opportunities beyond prize money, including partnerships with startups in other West African countries. She pointed to discussions with a startup in Guinea as an example of entering a new market without building a standalone operation there. This partnership model could help HubPharm expand across borders while avoiding the need to recreate business infrastructure in every country.
The second ECOWAS Startup Awards served both to recognize emerging businesses and to test the foundations of a more connected West African startup ecosystem. HubPharm Africa's next stage will be converting recognition into growth, while ECOWAS must ensure the announced support translates into sustained market access, investment, and collaboration. The competition, first held in 2021, now positions itself as a gateway into a continuing regional entrepreneurial network rather than a one-day event.