The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Embassy of France are hosting the second edition of the Création Africa programme, a high-impact support initiative for creative entrepreneurs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. Backed by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the programme supports ventures in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) with a financial grant estimated between €15,000 and €30,000. Beyond funding, it offers intensive coaching, incubation, networking, and the potential for an international immersion programme in Europe for finalists.
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Scholarship Summary Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) / Embassy of France |
| Target Audience | Creative Entrepreneurs (18+) |
| Host Region | South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi |
| Study Level | Business Incubation / Grant Funding |
| Scholarship Value | Financial grant estimated between €15,000–€30,000 |
| Duration | Intensive Programme (Feb–Nov 2026) |
| IELTS/English Test | Not Required |
| Application Deadline | 7 December 2025 |
Création Africa: Financial Grants and Incubation for Southern African Creative Businesses Details
The Création Africa programme, launched by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Embassy of France, represents a significant opportunity for creative ventures in the Southern African region. This initiative is designed to provide holistic support—combining financial assistance with intensive business development—to entrepreneurs in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. Successful applicants will join a comprehensive nine-month journey aimed at scaling their business model and securing international exposure.
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Grant Benefits
Tier 1: Maximum Grant Funding and International Immersion (Up to €30,000)
The most sought-after benefits of the Création Africa programme are the direct financial support and the gateway to European markets.
- Financial Grant: Selected ventures are eligible for a financial grant estimated between €15,000 and €30,000, with the final amount determined by the jury based on the project’s needs and scaling potential.
- International Immersion: Finalists may be selected to participate in a high-impact immersion programme in Europe (between October and November 2026), providing direct access to French and European creative markets and industry leaders.
Tier 2: Intensive Incubation and Professional Coaching
The core of the programme is a structured, long-term commitment to developing the entrepreneurs’ skills and business structure, running from early 2026.
- Coaching Phase (Feb–Mar 2026): Selected entrepreneurs will participate in an initial coaching phase to refine their proposals and business strategies.
- Intensive Incubation (Apr–Oct 2026): Fifteen creative enterprises will advance to a six-month intensive incubation phase, focusing on business model refinement, growth strategies, and impact measurement.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants gain critical access to a robust network of French and African creative markets, potential partners, and funders, essential for scaling a CCI venture.
Tier 3: Core Focus on Southern African Creative Industries (CCI)
The programme targets a wide array of sectors, ensuring support for the diverse landscape of Southern African creativity.
- Target Sectors: The initiative supports all sectors within the CCI, including music, film, design, crafts, animation, gaming, fashion, architecture, and digital media.
- Regional Focus: The programme explicitly targets businesses registered in, and residents of, South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, aiming to boost regional creative economies.
Eligibility Requirements for the Création Africa Programme
Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria to be considered for the 2025 cohort:
- Age and Residency: Must be 18 years or older and a legal resident of South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
- Business Registration: Must run a legally registered business in one of the three eligible countries, and the applicant must be the established manager.
- Industry Focus: The business must operate within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI).
- Availability: Applicants must be available for the full programme duration, including coaching (Feb-Mar 2026), incubation (Apr-Oct 2026), and immersion (Oct-Nov 2026).
How to Apply for the Création Africa Programme (Step by Step)
The selection process is based on the clarity of the business model, past traction, and potential for sustainable innovation.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the Création Africa page on the French Institute of South Africa website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the online application form provided through the link.
- Upload Documents: Upload supporting materials, including your business profile, creative portfolio, financial plans, and any relevant supporting documents.
- Submit and Commit: Submit the application before the deadline and ensure your readiness to commit to the full programme calendar.
Application Deadline: 7 December 2025 at 23:59 SAST.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum financial grant amount available in Création Africa?
The financial grant is estimated to be between €15,000 and €30,000, with the final amount decided by the jury based on the venture’s needs.
2. Which three African countries are eligible to participate in this programme?
The Création Africa programme is open to creative entrepreneurs who are residents of and run a registered business in South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi.
3. What types of businesses are the primary focus of the Création Africa initiative?
The programme targets businesses within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), such as music, film, design, fashion, gaming, and digital media.
4. What is the minimum age requirement for applicants?
Applicants must be 18 years or older to be eligible to participate in the programme.
5. Is an existing, registered business mandatory for application?
Yes, applicants must run a legally registered business in one of the three eligible countries. Purely idea-stage projects are unlikely to be accepted.
6. When is the final deadline to submit an application for the 2025 cohort?
The application deadline is 7 December 2025 at 23:59 SAST.
7. What non-financial benefit is offered to the finalists of the programme?
Finalists have the potential to take part in an International Immersion Programme in Europe between October and November 2026.
8. What is the duration of the intensive incubation phase for the accepted enterprises?
The intensive incubation phase for the 15 selected creative enterprises runs for approximately six months, from 6 April to 9 October 2026.
9. What are the key criteria for strengthening an application?
Applicants should clearly define their creative business model, demonstrate past traction or sales, show innovation and sustainability, and highlight any existing local or international partnerships.
10. Does the programme provide only funding, or is other support included?
The programme is holistic, offering not just funding, but also mentorship, coaching, intensive incubation, and networking opportunities throughout 2026.
