Chocolate City Group has launched the inaugural edition of its Founders Fund Africa Creative Economy Accelerator Programme, offering funding of between $20,000 and $50,000 to selected startups across Africa’s creative industries.
According to the company, the initiative is targeted at founders operating in music, film and media, design, and creative technology, and is designed to help early-stage businesses scale through mentorship, investor readiness training, strategic partnerships, and access to funding.
The accelerator is part of the $1 million Founders Fund Africa, which was unveiled during Chocolate City Group’s 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025. The fund was launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in partnership with Argentil Capital Management Limited and Co-Creation Hub.
Under the programme, 10 high-potential startups will be selected to participate in an intensive accelerator designed to strengthen business models, improve investment readiness, and connect founders with investors, industry experts, and experienced entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the launch of applications, Chocolate City Group Co-founder and Executive Chairman, Audu Maikori, said the programme was created to bridge the support gap faced by many African creative entrepreneurs.
“Founders Fund Africa was created to unlock opportunities for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. Across Africa, we’re seeing founders build innovative businesses that are redefining music, film, design and technology, yet many still struggle to access the support they need to scale,” he said.
Maikori added that the organisation is seeking founders with bold ideas, strong execution capabilities, and the ambition to build businesses capable of transforming Africa’s creative economy.
Also speaking, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Chocolate City Group, Paul Okeugo, said the initiative draws from the company’s experience in building one of Africa’s leading independent entertainment firms.
“It takes the right guidance, meaningful partnerships and people who believe in your vision. Founders Fund Africa is about giving creative founders access to that support so they can build businesses that endure,” he said.
The Managing Partner of Argentil Capital Management Limited, Gbenga Hassan, described Africa’s creative economy as an increasingly attractive investment destination, noting that the programme would focus on startups with scalable business models, strong fundamentals, and the capacity to create long-term economic value.
Applications are open to startups operating in music, film and media, design, and creative technology. Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, market opportunity, execution capability, business sustainability, and growth potential.
Applications close on August 28, 2026, and interested founders can apply through the Founders Fund Africa application portal.
