Opportunities

United Nations Development Programme 2025

April 27, 2025

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Applications are now open for the United Nations Development Programme 2025 Timbuktoo Creatives Lab

The Creatives Lab Accelerator Programme by CDI, part of the global UNDP timbuktoo initiative, is a groundbreaking opportunity designed for ambitious African creative entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses. Implemented by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), this accelerator blends financial and non-financial support, offering bespoke guidance tailored to each entrepreneur’s unique needs.

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Launching in 2025, this programme will empower 15 high-potential creative businesses, helping them innovate, connect, and thrive in the competitive creative economy.

The Partnership Behind the Creatives Lab

A collaboration between UNDP timbuktoo and CDI, the Creatives Lab leverages the experience of top creative and development organizations. Their joint goal is simple but powerful: strengthen Africa’s creative industries through targeted acceleration, sustainability, and innovation.

Mission and Vision of the Creatives Lab

The Creatives Lab exists to foster a thriving, sustainable creative sector in Africa. It aims to:

Empower emerging entrepreneurs
Drive innovation using new technologies
Preserve cultural and natural heritage
Support sustainable design and eco-friendly production

Key Benefits of Joining the Creatives Lab

Tailored mentorship and training
Targeted financial grants
Direct access to investors and markets
Increased visibility within the creative ecosystem
Opportunity to collaborate at the future timbuktoo Creatives Hub

Who Can Apply for the Creatives Lab Accelerator Programme?

The programme is designed for:

Registered businesses operating in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)
Entrepreneurs with businesses that have been operational for 2 to 5 years
Companies with an annual turnover of R200,000 and above
Innovators passionate about creative sectors like design, music, multi-media, and heritage preservation

Creative Sectors Eligible for Application

Eligible sectors include:

Audio-visual (film, animation, digital storytelling)
Design (graphic, fashion, industrial, architecture, interior)
Music (recording, live performances, production, festivals)
Multimedia (interactive media, digital platforms)
Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation (museums, conservation initiatives)

Geographical Scope: Africa-Wide Opportunities

The Creatives Lab warmly welcomes:

Entrepreneurs from all regions of South Africa
Entrepreneurs from any African country

Business Operation and Revenue Requirements

Eligible businesses must:

Be officially registered
Have operated for 2 to 5 years
Earn at least R200,000 annually

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

Special encouragement is given to:

Women entrepreneurs
Youth
Black-owned businesses
Individuals with disabilities
LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs
Businesses from rural areas

Part-Time and Bespoke Programme Model

This is a part-time, highly tailored programme. Entrepreneurs will engage in a structured number of monthly hours, carefully designed around each business’s needs, ensuring flexibility while maximizing growth potential.

Tailor-Made Growth Support Explained

Each entrepreneur will receive:

Guidance on digital transformation
Mastery of advanced production techniques
Sustainable design methods
Strategies for local and global market access

Bespoke Financial Support for Creatives

Participants will receive:

Targeted grants aligned with their individualized growth plans
Financial support tailored specifically to the interventions needed to drive expansion

Vital Business Skills Training

Skills development sessions will cover:

Business scaling strategies
Financial management
Marketing and branding
Leadership and strategic decision-making
Sustainability practices in creative production

Access to Experts, Investors, and Networks

The Creatives Lab connects participants with:

Top industry professionals
Potential investors
Experienced mentors

Joining a Thriving Creative Ecosystem

Participants will become part of an energized community of high-growth entrepreneurs, opening doors to:

Collaborative projects
Co-innovation opportunities
Ongoing peer support networks

Why Choose the Creatives Lab Accelerator Programme?

Because it’s:

Tailor-made to your business needs
Financially supportive
Committed to inclusion and diversity
Linked to Africa’s newest creative hub: timbuktoo Creatives Hub

Selection Criteria for Applicants

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Business potential for scale and impact
Creative innovation and originality
Commitment to sustainable practices
Entrepreneurial passion and leadership ability

Expectations During the Programme

While part-time, the programme requires:

Consistent engagement
Commitment to growth targets
Monthly check-ins with mentors and trainers

Connection to the Timbuktoo Creatives Hub

Beyond the accelerator, entrepreneurs can tap into the Timbuktoo Creatives Hub in District Six, Cape Town, a vibrant new space for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Real-World Skills Participants Will Gain

Participants will walk away with:

Enhanced leadership capacity
Financial acumen
Branding and marketing expertise
Sustainable production knowledge
Deepened cross-sectoral networks

Supporting Sustainable and Culturally Relevant Businesses

The Creatives Lab places strong emphasis on:

Sustainable, eco-friendly practices
Businesses that preserve and promote African cultural heritage

How the Creatives Lab Supports Long-Term Growth

Participants gain:

Ongoing access to CDI and UNDP networks
Alumni support systems
Future funding and collaboration opportunities

Step-by-Step Application Process

Visit the Creatives Lab official application page.
Fill out the online form.
Upload all necessary documentation proving business registration, revenue, and operational years.
Share your vision for scaling your creative business.
Submit before the application deadline.