Abuja:A Nigerian health innovation company, HubPharm Africa, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards held in Abuja, securing the $30,000 star prize.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, HubPharm Africa, co-founded by licensed clinical pharmacist Mrs. Tope Kareem, triumphed over four other finalists from across West Africa to claim the first prize from a total prize pool of $65,000. The second place went to Gaynako from Senegal, which received $20,000, while My Opinion from C´te d’Ivoire took the third spot with a $15,000 prize. The other top five finalists included Baykart from The Gambia, led by Muhammad Marong, and Afrikan Coders from Cape Verde.
The top three winners of the competition will also gain access to potential investment deals worth $5 million and investor deal rooms. Mr. Dehpue Zuo, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, presented the trophy on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasizing that the awards celebrated more than just financial success. He highlighted the importance of the innovative ideas and the message of saving lives beyond borders, encouraging other startups to address global health and development needs.
In her acceptance speech, Tope Kareem expressed gratitude, stating that the award validated the efforts of young Africans developing global solutions. She acknowledged the competition as a platform that has opened doors to partnerships and investors, which are essential for expanding their reach and impact across Africa.
Kareem, with over 13 years of experience in retail pharmacy operations, supply chain management, and patient services, leads clinical operations and a medicine supply chain serving over 10,200 chronic care patients across Nigeria and 11 other countries. She trained at Olabisi Onabanjo University alongside HubPharm’s Founder, Sesan Kareem, and holds a B.Pharm and an Entrepreneurship Development Certificate from Lagos Business School.
The Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Peter Oluonye, stated that the Commission would monitor how the prize money is utilized by the winners. He announced three initiatives to support startups beyond the awards, including the ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy, the ECOWAS Startup Network, and access to finance through a venture capital and investors network.
Oluonye also commended partners such as GIZ, International Trade Centre, Ecobank, and innovation hubs that supported the awards, acknowledging that the journey started two years ago but faced delays due to funding challenges.