The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), has officially launched the second edition of Création Africa—a transformative support programme for cultural and creative entrepreneurs across the region. This year, the initiative invites applications from innovative founders in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi who are ready to scale their ventures with world-class mentorship, incubation, and financial backing.
About the Création Africa Initiative
Création Africa is a flagship initiative under the broader “Team France” strategy to strengthen cultural entrepreneurship in Africa. It adopts a holistic approach that integrates mentorship, training, incubation, funding, and international networking to nurture sustainable and scalable creative businesses. The programme is implemented in partnership with UVU Africa, a leading South African startup incubator with a proven track record in supporting high-growth ventures.
Key Programme Phases and Timeline
The Création Africa journey unfolds over several structured phases:
- Application Period: 3 November – 7 December 2025
- Top 50 Selection & Mentorship: February–March 2026
- Pitch Day & Final Jury Evaluation: End of March 2026
- Incubation for 15 Finalists: April–October 2026
- International Immersion in France: October–November 2026
Selected entrepreneurs will progress through mentorship into a rigorous incubation process, culminating in pitch sessions before investors and industry leaders.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older and a resident of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi
- Own and operate a registered business in the cultural and creative sector
- Demonstrate market traction or credible viability through research
- Show scalability potential in impact and job creation
- Be fully available to commit to all programme activities, including travel
- Not have been among the Top 12 of the first Création Africa edition
Preference will be given to ventures with at least two years of operational history and a clear long-term vision.
Sectors and Innovation Focus Areas
Création Africa supports a broad spectrum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), including:
- Visual and performing arts
- Music, film, and television
- Design, fashion, and crafts
- Animation, gaming, and digital media
- Publishing, architecture, and cultural heritage
- Creative hubs, festivals, and promotion spaces
The programme prioritises innovative, problem-solving ventures that address local challenges while offering scalable business models.
Financial Support and International Exposure
The 15 selected entrepreneurs will each receive financial support ranging from €15,000 to €30,000, disbursed based on individual scaling needs. Beyond funding, participants gain access to international networks, investor pitch opportunities, and a curated immersion trip to France—designed to foster cross-border collaboration and market access.
All travel and participation costs for official programme events are fully covered by the organisers.
Related opportunity: Secure Funding at the JSE SME Capital Matching Roadshow
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Interested entrepreneurs must submit their applications by 7 December 2025 at 23:59 SAST via the official online form:
Création Africa Application Form
For the full Call for Entrepreneurs document, visit:
2025 Call for Entrepreneurs – Création Africa (PDF)
For questions, contact: projectofficer.faec@frenchinstitute.org.za
Successful applicants will be notified by 29 January 2026. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Création Africa represents a unique opportunity for Southern African cultural entrepreneurs to elevate their ventures on a global stage—backed by French institutional support, strategic mentorship, and real financial investment.
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