The African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI 2025), has been held in Cotonou as part of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS with the regional body gifting $50,000 to the three young entrepreneurs who came up with innovative solutions as start-ups.
a statement by the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication on Sunday said that the 1st prize of US$25,000 was awarded to the startup EAZY CHAIN from Côte d'Ivoire for an innovation to facilitate maritime transport in West Africa; the 2nd prize of US$15,000 went to the startup CODE CLUB ACADEMY from Ghana, which proposed a solution to help people with visual disabilities get around; while the 3rd prize of US$10,000 went to the startup FESAM from Benin for creating an instant cervical cancer screening kit.
In his closing speech, delivered in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education, Eléonore Yayi Ladekan, representing President Patrice Talon of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, spoke of the importance of FARI, saying: "FARI embodies the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation, all fundamental values for ensuring the progress and sustainable development of our beloved continent.
"I am delighted to see young and experienced scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs from all over West Africa gathered here to exchange ideas and build together the paths to progress through innovation".