African startups operating in the creative economy have a new opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and business support following the launch of the Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator.
Applications are now open for the pan-African programme, which will provide selected startups with up to US$50,000 in funding, alongside mentorship, investor access, and business development support. The accelerator targets founders building innovative businesses across media, entertainment, fashion, gaming, music, digital content, creative technology, and other cultural industries.
The initiative reflects growing investor confidence in Africa’s creative economy, a sector increasingly recognized as a major contributor to employment, innovation, digital transformation, and economic growth across the continent.
Supporting Africa’s Creative Entrepreneurs
The Creative Economy Accelerator aims to help early stage and growth stage startups transform creative ideas into scalable businesses.
Beyond capital, participating founders will receive structured mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who can provide guidance on product development, market expansion, fundraising, branding, and operational growth.
The programme also seeks to strengthen the commercial side of Africa’s creative industries by helping founders build sustainable business models capable of attracting long-term investment.
For many creative entrepreneurs, access to financing remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. The accelerator is designed to bridge that gap by combining financial support with practical business expertise.
Up to US$50,000 in Funding
Selected startups will be eligible for funding of up to US$50,000, depending on their stage of development and business needs.
The capital is intended to help founders accelerate product development, expand into new markets, strengthen technology platforms, hire key talent, or scale customer acquisition efforts.
Unlike traditional grant programmes, accelerators typically combine funding with intensive mentorship and networking opportunities, helping founders become more attractive to future investors.
Participants will also gain exposure to venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners interested in Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy.
The application launch follows the unveiling of the US$1 million Founders Fund during Chocolate City Group’s 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025, where the initiative was officially launched by the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. Established in partnership with Argentil Capital Management Limited and implemented by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), Founders Fund Africa was created to identify, support, and accelerate the next generation of entrepreneurs building scalable businesses across Africa’s creative economy.
Applications close on August 28, 2026.