South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi create million-dollar programme to empower creative industry
South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi in collaboration with the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa have announced the commencement of Création Africa, a million-dollar initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering emerging entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries.
The R24-million initiative which is about 1.3 million dollars seeks to benefit nationals in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, announced the establishment of Création Africa during her visit to South Africa in June 2023 and now there is an open call for emerging entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries to apply for Création Africa.
A decade after South Africa's Cultural Season in France, a new chapter in the partnership between France and Southern Africa has led to the introduction of Création Africa.
Création Africa seeks to strengthen the networks, skills, and capabilities of creative and cultural entrepreneurs and enterprises and establish connections to foster deeper cultural understanding and stronger bonds between France and the three nations, local media Malawi 24 reported.
“This is delivery on a mandate to accompany entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi and build fruitful enterprises in the creative economy,” said David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi who was quoted by local media Malawi 24. “Supporting and nurturing cultural and creative entrepreneurs is paramount for fostering innovation and sustainable growth.”
“In conjunction with the French Embassy, our goal is to establish an ecosystem that nurtures the flourishing of cultural entrepreneurs, enabling them to make a lasting impact on the global stage,” he added.
The French Embassy in South Africa is inviting emerging entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative sectors to apply for Création Africa. Among the applicants, 40 projects will be chosen for mentorship, with a jury selecting 12 for intensive incubation. The 12 projects will receive financial support in the form of grants, access to business networks, investors, and strategic guidance to ensure the project's growth.
Entrepreneurs across various cultural and creative domains, such as visual and performing arts, music, design, fashion, publishing, architecture, advertising, gaming, multisectoral projects, and software development, are eligible to apply. The application window is currently open and will continue until January 26, 2024.
