The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications from CreativeTech startups across Africa to join timbuktoo Launchpad through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub, hosted in South Africa.

Designed to identify and support promising entrepreneurs building innovative solutions for the creative economy, the programme provides startups with access to incubation support, mentorship, digital tools, and a pan-African ecosystem of founders, investors, and innovation partners.

Anchored within timbuktoo, UNDP’s pan-African platform supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme aims to strengthen the growth and scalability of African startups developing technology-enabled solutions across the creative industries.

About the Programme

Africa's creative economy is one of the continent's fastest-growing sectors, driven by expanding digital connectivity and a young population. Creative entrepreneurs are increasingly building innovative ideas across areas such as digital media, animation, gaming, creator economy platforms, immersive technologies, music, film, design, and cultural industries. However, many startups continue to face barriers in accessing mentorship, networks, investment opportunities, and structured business support.

Through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub, UNDP is supporting the next generation of CreativeTech entrepreneurs building scalable businesses that can contribute to innovation and economic growth across Africa.

Selected startups will join timbuktoo Launchpad, a distributed ecosystem of incubators, innovation hubs, mentors, and investors working together to support startup growth across the continent.

Startups admitted to the programme will receive structured incubation support delivered by accredited incubators within the timbuktoo ecosystem, alongside access to the timbuktoo Launchpad platform, powered by Seedstars' SIGMA platform, which provides mentorship matching, learning resources, progress tracking, and AI-powered guidance to accelerate startup growth and investment readiness.

Programme Benefits

CreativeTech startups selected for the programme will benefit from a combination of local incubation support and pan-African ecosystem access, including: 

• Structured incubation programmes delivered by leading African incubators

• Access to experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts

• Participation in a pan-African network of founders, incubators, and ecosystem partners

• Access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform for startup development and progress tracking

• Investment readiness support, including pitch development and investor engagement

• Opportunities to participate in demo days and ecosystem events across Africa

• Potential pathways to acceleration programmes and early-stage investment opportunities

Who Should Apply

Eligible startups should:

• Be based in Africa or building solutions targeting African markets

• Have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• Have a committed founding team

• Be developing a technology-enabled solution relevant to the creative economy

• Demonstrate potential for growth and scalability

Solutions may address areas such as digital content creation, animation, gaming, music, film, design, creator economy platforms, immersive technologies, AI-enabled creative solutions, and other technology-driven innovations contributing to the growth of Africa's creative industries.

UNDP particularly encourages applications from women-led startups, youth entrepreneurs, and founders from underserved communities.

How to Apply

Applications are open on a rolling basis, with startups admitted through quarterly cohorts. The first cohort will begin in September 2026, with additional cohorts starting every three months. Interested startups can submit their applications via the dedicated platform: here 

About timbuktoo

timbuktoo is UNDP’s flagship initiative to position Africa as a global leader in innovation.

Building on a continental network of thematic Tech Hubs, University Innovation Pods, ecosystem partners, investors, and entrepreneurs, timbuktoo aims to support 10,000 startups, scale 1,000 high-growth ventures, mobilise US$1 billion in investment, and generate transformative economic opportunities across Africa.

The timbuktoo Creatives Hub, hosted in South Africa, serves as a pan-African platform supporting innovation within the creative economy by connecting entrepreneurs with knowledge, networks, markets, and investment opportunities.