By: Rachel Kakraba
The French Embassy in Ghana, in partnership with Impact Hub Accra, has announced the call for applications for the second edition of its flagship Creation Africa Ghana Incubation Programme. The initiative is designed to equip cultural and creative entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and capital of up to 30 thousand euros to scale their businesses.
Launching the programme in Accra, France Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dime Labille, said the Embassy remains committed to building capacity and facilitating connection.
“Building capacity, facilitating connection, reaching international markets, and having more collaboration opportunities are one of our strategy and tonight I am definitely delighted to officially launch the second edition of Creation Africa”
She said building cultural legacy through the Creation Africa Initiative has far reaching economic benefits.
Cultural attaché at the French Embassy, Ghana, Jeremie Desjarddins, who also leads the Creation Africa Ghana programme, said the second edition of the programme follows a successful first initiative.
“Evaluation of the first edition was really good from the participants and authorities. That’s why we received funds to get a second edition”.
Mr. Desjarddins, was hopeful the collaboration between France and Ghana will be beneficial to both countries.
“Sometimes people ignore the potential of the creative sector, but, sectors like video game, book selling or, cinema are huge”
He added “this programme is really dedicated to entrepreneurs and young people who sometimes just need, support to start, their projects”
He said fostering of the local creative industry builds trust and provides strength to the young. He encouraged women and youth led businesses to submit applications.
“It’s dedicated to the young, but in an extended way. We also try to target women because sometimes we struggle to have women applicants”
Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, Gideon Aryeequaye, and expressed appreciation to the French Embassy for the continued support for the creative industry which he said creates opportunities within the sector.
“I heard about the first one and I have come to appreciate even more what Creation Africa is doing. It’s virtually like executing our mandate for us.
He added “this is what we need to see in the space identifying talent, empowering them, connecting them to international access, you cannot go wrong with this and this is what we intend to do at the Creative Arts Agency”
Mr. Aryeequaye encouraged qualified creatives to put in application to secure funds for their businesses.
“It would cost you no harm, it’s a competition, and it propels you to do better. This will probably give you a capital or give you an injection or whatever you need to make your work go on. So I would encourage every creative no matter where you are to just bring your work and get to benefit”
The second edition of Creation Africa Ghana is expected to build on the success of the first program, which featured two core pillars: an Incubation Program and Capacity-Building Element. This edition expands the framework to include: An Acceleration Program, which is designed exclusively for the first cohort of winners, and provides non-financial support through access to technical expertise and guidance, responding to an expressed need for continued support to strengthen creative enterprises. Sectoral Capacity-Building Component: This element provides cultural and creative entrepreneurs with platforms for showcasing their work, avenues for mobility to access international markets and opportunities to participate in specialized training and mentorship programs in France and African countries. It targets sectors such as TV series, animation and webtoons, innovative fashion, VR/XR & video games and sound design. Deadline for submission of application is 16 January 2026.
Some beneficiaries of the first edition shared how impactful the programme has been to the growth of their respective businesses.
