Applications are being accepted for the 2025 ECOWAS African Forum on Research and Innovation (FARI) Startup Competition
The ECOWAS forum devoted to advancing science, technology, and innovation is called the African Forum on Research and Innovation (FARI). The eighty-sixth Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government decided to create it (A/DEC/.1/6/21). This is the choice that led to the creation and coordination of the ECOWAS African Forum on Research and Innovation (FARI).
ECOWAS authorized the formation of the Scientific Committee of the Forum and the Jury for the selection of the top three startups in the regional competition for this second edition. Startups, experts, and ministers from ECOWAS member states in charge of science and technology, as well as the president of the host nation, the Republic of Benin, and the ECOWAS chairman-in-office, are all involved in FARI-2025.
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
- The 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
The official website of the Forum is www.fari-ecowas.com
- Complete the online form and download the application file
- Submit the application file online (www.fari-ecowas.com) on the page dedicated to Startups
- Submission deadline: February 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. UTC
– Step 2: Final phase (designation of winners)
In person at the FARI-2025 edition
FARI-2025 will take place from May 5 to 9, 2025 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Start-ups that have passed
the national selection stage will be subject to the following tests:
- Exhibition of products, models or prototypes from the selected project
- Oral presentation of the project in 3 minutes in front of the jury. The program and the order of passage of each startup
will be published when the results of stage 1 are published.
February 28, 2025 is the deadline.
To apply, click here.
