Short Description
Création Africa is a groundbreaking initiative by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, coordinated by the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS). The project aims to boost and support cultural entrepreneurship in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Création Africa: South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi is based on a holistic approach that combines mentorship, incubation, training, funding and networking to support cultural entrepreneurs with a focus on entrepreneurs within a growth stage. Création Africa aims to support a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem for cultural entrepreneurship in Africa by collaborating with local and international incubators
and businesses, institutions and partners. Création Africa will operate under the oversight of Team France, ensuring effective governance and strategic guidance.
Eligibility
The application is open to all entrepreneurs within the Cultural and Creative Industries from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
- Be over 18 years old.
- Be a resident of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
- Business must be managed and/or run by the owner (entrepreneur).
- Business must be an existing business which is registered within South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
- The Business must have a demonstrable history and traction and/or provide credible market research that shows viability if proposing a new product or innovation.
- Demonstrate the ability to scale in terms of impact and/or job creation.
- Businesses must demonstrate innovation and/or a unique proposition that addresses pressing needs or opportunities.
- Participants are required to be available and committed for the full duration of the mentorship and incubation programmes, including taking any necessary time off from their business obligations.
- Be willing to credit the Embassy of France for South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi as well as the French Institute of South Africa and Création Africa in all marketing and publicity during and after the programme when referring to the programme.
- The applicant must understand and agree that any photos and videos provided and taken throughout the Création Africa may be used on our social media platforms and in future communications. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team.
- Be willing to actively engage in all stages of the program and participate in all
hosted events, such as Pitch day, investors pitch, etc. - Be in possession of a valid passport or be able to apply for a valid passport.
- Be prepared to travel to any other designated city or country to participate in an event or workshop. As part of this mission, all necessary travel expenses for events, workshops, or any other related activities will be covered.
- You must be available for these dates:
- Presentation by the shortlisted applicants to the Jury: 19 to 23 January 2026
- Mentorship program: 2 February to 20 March 2026
- Pitch sessions: End March 2026
- Incubation program: April to October 2026
- Immersion program: Between October and November 2026.
The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) comprise a wide range of sectors that drive
both cultural and economic growth, including but not limited to the following:
- Visual and Performing Arts: Painting, sculpture, photography, and other visual arts; theatre, dance, circus, and live performances.
- Music: Composition, production, performance, and distribution of music.
- Film and Television: Production, direction, distribution, and related audiovisual services.
- Design and Craft: Graphic design, industrial design, and artisanal crafts.
- Fashion: Apparel, accessories, and related industries.
- Animation, Gaming, and Interactive Media: Animation, video games, software, and immersive or interactive experiences.
- Digital Media: Digital content creation, online platforms, and social media production.
- Creative and Cultural Promotion Spaces: Festivals, events, creative hubs, and community spaces that support, present, or promote artists and creative industries.
- Publishing: Books, magazines, newspapers, and other print or digital publications.
- Architecture: Architectural design, urban planning, and related services.
- Cultural Heritage: Museums, archives, preservation, restoration, and heritage management.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
- The 15 projects selected will receive financial support from the French Institute of South Africa as a leverage effect to scale up their businesses.
- The amount of the support, from 15,000€ to 30,000€, disbursed will be determined by the incubator and the jury based on the specific needs and potential outlined by the entrepreneurs to scale up.
Entry Fee
None
Location
France
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
- Mentorship Program: from 2 February to 20 March
- Evaluation jury and Final Selection: End March 2026
- Incubation Phase: from April to October 2026
Website Link: https://frenchinstitute.org.za/creation-africa/
