Grace Ashiru
Four startups from Sierra Leone have represented the country at the second Economic Community of West African States Startup Awards in Abuja, Nigeria, highlighting the growing contribution of local entrepreneurs to regional innovation.
The competition was held from September 28 to 30, 2026, bringing together 60 selected startups from approximately 10,600 applications submitted across ECOWAS member countries.
Sierra Leone’s participation was coordinated by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation following a request from the ECOWAS Commission to nominate businesses operating in priority economic sectors.
The selected startups were Freetown Innovation Lab, Eco-Twist Green Generation Initiative, Farmers Pride International and Jalimi Foods Pikin Pap.
Freetown Innovation Lab was represented by Mohamed A. Kamara, while David Kamara represented Eco-Twist Green Generation Initiative.
Jehoshaphat S. Konteh participated on behalf of Farmers Pride International, and Brenda Minratu Peacock-Sawyerr represented Jalimi Foods Pikin Pap.
Throughout the three-day event, participants presented their businesses, interacted with potential investors and received professional guidance on business development.
Activities included startup pitching sessions, exhibitions, masterclasses, business clinics and investor engagement meetings.
The programme also created opportunities for participants to exchange ideas with policymakers, entrepreneurs and private-sector representatives from different West African countries.
For Sierra Leone’s representatives, participating in the competition provided exposure to a wider regional market and opportunities to establish relationships with potential business partners.
The awards ceremony took place on September 30 at the new ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja.
Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa emerged as the overall winner, receiving the US$30,000 grand prize.
Senegalese startup Gaynako secured first runner-up position and received US$20,000, while Côte d’Ivoire’s My Opinion finished second runner-up with US$15,000.
Although none of Sierra Leone’s four representatives secured the top three awards, their participation offered opportunities for mentorship, networking and increased regional visibility.
The event also highlighted the role of regional cooperation in helping emerging businesses access expertise and investment opportunities beyond their domestic markets.
For participating entrepreneurs, such engagement can provide connections that support future partnerships and business expansion.
Sierra Leone’s presence among the finalists demonstrated its participation in regional efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, technological development and private-sector growth.
