The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has praised the ingenuity and resilience of young African innovators, awarding $50,000 in cash prizes to three exceptional startups during the closing ceremony of the African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI 2025) in Cotonou, Benin.
The awards ceremony concluded the five-day forum, which formed part of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. The event spotlighted transformative solutions developed by young entrepreneurs from across West Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Eazy Chain took home the grand prize of $25,000 for its innovative platform aimed at optimizing maritime transport logistics in the region.
Ghana’s Code Club Academy earned $15,000 for its assistive mobility technology designed for the visually impaired, while Benin’s FESAM was awarded $10,000 for creating an instant cervical cancer screening kit.
In the presence of Benin’s Minister of Higher Education, Eléonore Yayi Ladekan—who represented President Patrice Talon—Dr. Touray hailed the forum as a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation.
“FARI embodies the core values necessary for sustainable development and progress on the continent. I am pleased to witness such vibrant collaboration among scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future,” he said.
FARI 2025 brought together researchers, policy makers, startups, and stakeholders from across the ECOWAS region, serving as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in science and technology.