Call for Entrepreneurs: Création Africa – South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

About the Open Call

After a successful first edition in 2024, Création Africa South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi is back to support and scale up cultural entrepreneurs. Supported by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), the second edition, Creation Africa 2, aims to boost and support cultural entrepreneurship in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. The program takes a holistic approach, combining mentorship, incubation, training, funding, and networking to support cultural entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, focusing on those ready to take their business to the next level through dedicated mentorship and investment. The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) comprise a wide range of sectors including: Visual and Performing Arts (Painting, sculpture, photography, theatre, dance, circus, live performances), Music, Film and Television, Design and Craft, Fashion, Animation, Gaming, and Interactive Media, Digital Media, Creative and Cultural Promotion Spaces, Publishing, Architecture, and Cultural Heritage. The program includes an intensive mentorship program (February 2 to March 20, 2026), pitch sessions (End March 2026), an incubation program (April 6 to October 9, 2026), and an immersion program (October to November 2026).

What is Offered

Mentorship, incubation, training, funding, and networking opportunities for cultural entrepreneurs.

Requirements

Applicants must be over 18 years old, a resident of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi. The business must be managed and/or run by the owner (entrepreneur) and be an existing business registered within South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi. Participants must be available and committed for the full duration of the mentorship and incubation programs.

How to Apply

For a detailed breakdown of the Call for Entrepreneurs, applicants should consult the provided PDF document. Applications must be submitted via the online Google Form link. Any incomplete application will be automatically disqualified. The deadline for application is 7 December 2025 at 23:59 SAST.