French programme showcases finalists transforming the creative industries in South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho
The French Embassy in South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho, in partnership with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), is proud to present the twelve finalists of the Création Africa programme in Pretoria and Johannesburg on September 17 & 18 as part of the “Création Africa Days”. These groundbreaking cultural enterprises represent the present and future of Africa’s creative industries, spanning fashion, design, video games, audiovisual, and music. The Création Africa Days marks the culmination of a five-month journey that has equipped these businesses with the tools to thrive locally and internationally.
Création Africa is a R24 million initiative by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aimed at promoting creative and cultural entrepreneurship in Lesotho, Malawi, and South Africa. The programme supports enterprises through incubation, seed-funding, and networking opportunities, helping them scale and connect with French and global investment networks.
The twelve selected finalists have undergone an intensive five-month incubation process, receiving seed funding and expert guidance to enhance their business capabilities. Through this programme, they have engaged with prominent French and South African professionals in the creative industries and have gained valuable insights into investment communities, preparing them to scale their businesses.
On September 17, His Excellency, Mr. David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, will welcome the finalists at his residence in Pretoria for exclusive investor pitches and project showcases. The event aims to foster collaboration and investment between African entrepreneurs and French and Southern African partners. On September 18, the participants will engage with key members of the local cultural and creative industry (CCI) and with French economic partners during a series of networking events in Johannesburg to solidify their connections in South Africa.
Next month, the delegation will travel to Paris to take part in BIG 2024, Europe’s largest business and investment gathering, on an invitation from Bpifrance. This event offers an unparalleled platform for the finalists to showcase their work and expand their networks globally.
‘Création Africa exemplifies France’s dedication to fostering creative and cultural entrepreneurship across Africa,’ says Ambassador Martinon.
‘The success of this programme is reflected in the participants’ increased skills, confidence, and social and economic influence within their industries. By investing in creative ecosystems, we are driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness, not only in the creative sectors but also in the broader economies of South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, and beyond.’