Applications are now open for the 2025 ECOWAS Startup Competition. The African Forum on Research and Innovation (FARI) is the ECOWAS forum dedicated to the promotion ofScience, Technology and Innovation. Its creation was the subject of a decision (A/DEC/.1/6/21) by the eighty-sixth Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. This is the decision establishing and organizing the African Forum on Research and Innovation of ECOWAS (FARI).

For this second edition, ECOWAS approved the establishment of the Jury for the selection of the three (03) best Start-ups in the regional competition and the Scientific Committee of the Forum. FARI-2025 involves the participation of start-ups, experts and Ministers of ECOWAS Member States in charge of Science and Technology, the President of the Republic of Benin (host country) and the Chairman-in-Office of ECOWAS.

Objective

• Select three (3) start-ups at the national level to take part in the regional exhibition during FARI;Award the three (3) best start-ups at the regional level.

Expected Results

• Three (03) start-ups at the national level are selected;T
• he three (03) start-ups selected at the national level participate in the exhibition during FARI.
• The three (3) best start-ups awarded at the regional level.

Eligibility of start-ups

Start-ups must meet the following conditions:

• Come from an ECOWAS member country;
• Have their headquarters in an ECOWAS member country;
• Be less than five (5) years old;
• Respect the rules and deadlines for submission 

The start-up competition
The competition is open to any start-up that meets the eligibility conditions. It takes place in two (02) stages:

– Step 1: Selection of national start-ups

Online via the official FARI website