Accra, Ghana – – The French Embassy in Ghana has launched applications for the second phase of the Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Program, a key initiative aimed at bolstering the country’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs). The program, implemented in partnership with Impact Hub Accra, seeks to provide entrepreneurs in the sector with the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to scale their ventures and compete on a global stage.
The initiative forms part of the broader Création Africa project, currently encompassing African nations, and was initially launched in Ghana on . The overarching goal is to integrate cultural and creative actors more effectively into economic sectors, bridging the gap between artistic expression and viable business models.
Ghana was selected as the initial focal point for the project, a decision lauded by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking at the launch event, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his government’s commitment to supporting the creative arts industry as a driver of wealth creation and economic transformation. He highlighted the sector’s potential for job creation and its role in fostering national pride and unity. According to the President, the project will support existing talents and create employment opportunities.
The Création Africa Ghana program specifically targets a wide range of CCIs, including architecture, design, books & publishing, music, cinema, audiovisual content, digital creations, museums & heritage, media, visual arts, video games, fashion & luxury goods, performing arts, and culinary arts. The beneficiary-centered approach focuses on providing comprehensive support from the initial stages of ideation through to acceleration and market entry.
The first phase of the program, which included a Call for Proposals that closed on , focused on identifying promising entrepreneurs and innovators. Successful applicants were offered mentorship, resources, and access to funding through an incubation program facilitated by Impact Hub Accra. The hub, known for its work in fostering collaboration between startups, investors, and development partners, will again lead the execution of the second edition.
Impact Hub Accra’s role is crucial in engineering collaborations and transforming fragmented initiatives into scalable value chains. The organization’s network of spaces and programs aims to connect local innovation with global capital, supporting the next generation of ventures across various sectors. The second edition of the incubation program is scheduled to launch in the latter part of .
The French government’s involvement reflects a broader strategy of supporting cultural and economic development in Africa. The Création Africa project aims to structure local ecosystems and create sustainable jobs within the CCI sector across the continent. The initiative acknowledges the significant economic potential of Africa’s creative industries, which are increasingly recognized as key drivers of growth and innovation.
The launch of the second phase of the program comes at a time when Ghana’s creative sector is gaining increasing international recognition. The country has a vibrant music scene, a growing film industry, and a rich tradition of visual arts and crafts. However, many entrepreneurs in the sector face challenges in accessing funding, mentorship, and market opportunities.
The Création Africa Ghana program seeks to address these challenges by providing a platform for creatives to develop their business skills, build their networks, and access the resources they need to succeed. The program’s emphasis on bridging the gap between artistry and entrepreneurship is seen as essential for unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s creative industries.
The initiative also aims to create opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs to participate in influential events both within Africa and in Europe, fostering cross-cultural exchange and promoting Ghanaian creativity on the global stage. This international exposure is expected to further enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses in the CCI sector.
The World Bank’s Africa Pulse report indicates ongoing economic activity across the continent, though specific details regarding Ghana’s CCI sector were not immediately available. However, the broader context suggests a growing recognition of the importance of investing in creative industries as a means of promoting sustainable economic development.
Applications for the second edition of the Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Program are now open, offering a significant opportunity for cultural and creative entrepreneurs to take their ventures to the next level. The program represents a collaborative effort between the French government, Impact Hub Accra, and the Ghanaian government to foster a thriving and sustainable creative economy.
