Creative entrepreneurs in Lesotho are once again being offered a golden opportunity to turn their ideas into thriving businesses through Création Africa, a regional initiative aimed at empowering innovators in the cultural and creative industries.
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), has announced the return of the programme, which supports creative talent across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
According to information shared with Newsday by Bronwyn Coppola, on behalf of the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, the programme seeks to boost cultural entrepreneurship through mentorship, incubation, training, funding, and networking opportunities.
Launched in 2023, Création Africa forms part of a continent-wide initiative by the French government to strengthen Africa’s cultural and creative industries in 16 countries. It reflects France’s renewed commitment to investing in innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent, helping artists and creators transform their passion into sustainable businesses.
The call for applications is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 and above who are active in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and reside in one of the three participating countries. From the pool of applicants, 50 entrepreneurs will be selected for a seven-week mentorship programme scheduled to start in February 2026.
This phase will focus on helping participants refine their business models, strengthen their creative projects, and prepare for investment readiness. After the mentorship, candidates will pitch their projects before a professional jury, with the Top 15 advancing to a six-month incubation phase running from April to October 2026.
During incubation, participants will receive tailored business support, access to industry mentors and investors, and strategic guidance — along with financial assistance to help scale their enterprises. The programme’s ultimate goal is to develop sustainable creative businesses capable of competing regionally and internationally.
While Newsday did not speak directly with a participant, Création Africa’s 2024 publication featured Katleho Monyako, a creative entrepreneur from Maseru and founder of SourceCode Motion Pictures, who shared his reflections on the programme.
Monyako said Création Africa had expanded his knowledge, connections, and market access in the audiovisual sector. His company, SourceCode Motion Pictures, focuses on producing high-quality visual effects and celebrating original African storytelling, a mission he continues to pursue despite challenges such as limited resources, technology, and skilled talent.
“What I have found most useful about the Création Africa experience is all the valuable information and business insights about the creative industry. I’ve also enjoyed interacting with other founders, learning from them, and seeing how different creative businesses collaborate,” he said.
He also highlighted the broader significance of creativity for Lesotho’s development:
“I believe in the power of the creative and cultural sectors to create jobs, drive innovation, and foster a strong sense of cultural identity. Yet it can be difficult to navigate the industry and compete at the highest level.”
Summary
- Creative entrepreneurs in Lesotho are once again being offered a golden opportunity to turn their ideas into thriving businesses through Création Africa, a regional initiative aimed at empowering innovators in the cultural and creative industries.
- The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), has announced the return of the programme, which supports creative talent across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
- The call for applications is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 and above who are active in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and reside in one of the three participating countries.
I am an IT officer by day, immersed in the world of technology, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Now, my passion lies in storytelling. I am a writer at heart, fascinated by the power of words to inform, engage, and inspire.
