Programme Benefits: Funding of US$20,000–US$50,000, mentorship, investor readiness training, strategic partnerships, venture support and business acceleration.
Africa’s creative economy continues to attract global attention, but many promising startups still struggle to secure the funding, mentorship and business support needed to scale successfully. To help bridge this gap, Chocolate City Group has officially opened applications for the inaugural Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator Programme, an initiative designed to empower innovative entrepreneurs building businesses across the continent’s rapidly growing creative industries. The Creative Economy Accelerator Programme is expected to provide founders with the resources, networks and expertise required to transform bold ideas into sustainable companies.
The launch of the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme follows the unveiling of the US$1 million Founders Fund Africa during Chocolate City Group’s 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025. The fund was introduced as a long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are creating scalable businesses capable of driving innovation and economic growth across Africa’s creative sector.
Applications are open to founders building innovative startups in Music, Film & Media, Design and Creative Technology. Organisers are seeking entrepreneurs with ambitious ideas, proven execution and scalable business models that can contribute meaningfully to Africa’s expanding creative economy. The Creative Economy Accelerator Programme is particularly focused on businesses capable of creating employment, attracting investment and increasing Africa’s presence in global creative markets.
Only 10 high-potential startups will be selected for the inaugural cohort of the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme. Successful applicants will participate in an intensive business acceleration programme designed to strengthen their business foundations, improve investment readiness and prepare them for long-term commercial success. Participants will also gain direct access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry executives who will provide guidance throughout the programme.
One of the biggest attractions of the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme is its funding opportunity. Selected startups will become eligible to receive between US$20,000 and US$50,000 in investment support, alongside tailored mentorship, strategic advisory services and valuable partnerships that can help accelerate business growth. Beyond funding, founders will receive practical support in refining their business strategies, strengthening operations and positioning their companies for future investment opportunities.
Speaking on the launch of applications, Chocolate City Group Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Audu Maikori said the programme was created to unlock opportunities for Africa’s next generation of creative entrepreneurs. According to him, many innovative founders are already transforming industries such as music, film, design and technology but often struggle to access the support needed to scale their businesses. He noted that the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme is designed to help bridge that gap by providing capital, mentorship and strategic connections.
Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman Paul Okeugo explained that the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme reflects two decades of experience gained while building one of Africa’s leading entertainment companies. He said successful businesses require much more than talent or access to funding. Long-term growth depends on strong mentorship, strategic partnerships and an ecosystem that believes in entrepreneurs and supports their ambitions from the early stages of growth.
The involvement of Argentil Capital Management Limited further strengthens the programme by providing investment advisory expertise, venture-building experience and capital allocation support. Organisers believe this partnership will improve the quality of selected startups while helping founders build commercially viable businesses capable of delivering sustainable value to investors and the wider creative economy.
The implementation of the Creative Economy Accelerator Programme by CcHUB adds another layer of value through access to one of Africa’s leading innovation ecosystems. CcHUB’s experience in supporting technology startups, entrepreneurs and innovation-driven businesses is expected to provide participants with practical business development resources, industry networks and growth opportunities throughout the accelerator journey.
Africa’s creative economy has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by expanding music, film, fashion, gaming and digital content industries. However, many creative entrepreneurs continue to face challenges including limited access to investment, business development support and international markets. The Creative Economy Accelerator Programme aims to address these challenges by helping founders build stronger companies capable of competing on a global scale.
Beyond financial support, the accelerator seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem where founders can learn from successful entrepreneurs, exchange ideas with fellow innovators and build lasting relationships with investors and strategic partners. Organisers believe these connections will continue to benefit participants long after the programme concludes.
Interested founders are encouraged to submit their applications through the official Founders Fund Africa website before the August 28, 2026 deadline. As Africa’s creative industries continue to expand globally, the inaugural Creative Economy Accelerator Programme represents an important opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to secure funding, strengthen their businesses and become part of the next generation of companies shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
