The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) are proud to announce the Top 15 entrepreneurs for the second edition of Création Africa. Création Africa aims to boost and support cultural entrepreneurship in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Following a rigorous selection process and pitches presented to an esteemed panel of jury members, 15 entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in the final incubation phase of the programme. From the 340 applications, a jury panel of industry experts selected The Top 50 entrepreneurs, who took part in a seven-week mentorship phase. Following a final round of pitches, the Top 15 finalists were selected.
The Top 15 entrepreneurs are currently completing a seven-month tailored incubation programme designed to strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions and prepare them for investment readiness. This phase, which runs until October 2026, includes access to investor networks, strategic guidance, sector expertise and funding readiness support, all aimed at enabling these ventures to scale and compete in both local and global markets.
The programme is delivered in partnership with implementation partner UVU Africa, who oversees the incubation programme with the oversight of Team France. Création Africa is delivered through CAPACITI, UVU Africa’s digital skills and enterprise development platform, working directly with creative founders to build enterprise readiness and translate creative potential into sustainable ventures.
The Top 15 entrepreneurs are:
Music:
Music Business Lab (Ninel Musson) | Johannesburg
Music Business Lab (MBL) is a specialist African music-industry education and capacity-building enterprise focused on developing the professional teams behind successful artists. Founded by music executive, culture investor, and ecosystem builder Ninel Musson, MBL delivers university-certified short courses, Masterclass series, and its flagship MBL Bootcamp (pre-incubation), an applied learning sprint combining industry education, business coaching, case studies, mentorship, and portfolio development. Programmes cover the global recorded music industry, artist management, publishing and rights administration, marketing, data, contracts, and entrepreneurship. MBL also provides market access opportunities for alumni
https://musicbusinesslab.africa
Instagram: @music_business_lab
Digital Media:
iQHAWE Media (Renaé Mangena and co-founder Anastatia Nkhuna) | Johannesburg
iQHAWE Media is a woman-led creative agency and publishing platform that produces iQHAWE Magazine and the exhibition led photography collective everything in; out. The business operates at the intersection of editorial publishing, digital storytelling, cultural research, and physical exhibition-making, with a core mandate to document, archive, and amplify contemporary African creative practice. Through both digital and physical formats, iQHAWE Media bridges the gap betweenemerging creatives, audiences, and brands seeking culturally resonant engagement.
https://iqhawemagazine.com
Instagram: @iqhawemagazine
Gaming and Interactive Media:
Vetkoek Studios (Mamello Raboroko) | Johannesburg
Vetkoek Studios is a Johannesburg-based independent game development and animation studio specialising in vibrant, optimised representations of African experiences. The studio creates original games and interactive content that blend entertainment, cultural storytelling, and accessible gameplay for global audiences.
https://vetkoekstudios.co.za
Instagram: @vetkoek_studios
TikTok:@vetkoek_studios
LinkedIn: Vetkoek Studios
Film, Television and Animation:
Better Yet (Hallie Haller)
Better Yet is a Johannesburg-based creative company developing a transmedia IP expansion model that transforms existing African cultural assets—such as films, books, performances, and artworks—into new revenue-generating formats. These include immersive live experiences, XR and interactive works, merchandise ecosystems, and screen adaptations. The company provides end-to-end support across rights strategy, creative development, production, and international distribution, enabling creators to retain ownership while unlocking long-term economic value.
LinkedIn: Better Yet Creative
Lincoln Green Media (Kudakwashe ‘Kudi’ Maradzika)
Lincoln Green Media (LGM) is an award-winning female-led African production company crafting bold narratives across film and television. It was founded in 2022 by award-winning screenwriter, producer, and former Executive Producer at Paramount Africa, Kudi Maradzika. Lincoln Green Media operates across South Africa and Zimbabwe and is focused on the development and production of original, globally exportable African stories for film and television, most notably creating Bad Influencer for Netflix Africa. UKO is Lincoln Green Media’s IP studio and distribution arm, dedicated to the development, scaling, and circulation of intellectual property across film, series, publishing, and digital platforms. Through UKO, the company advances ownership-first African IP and builds structured pathways from Zimbabwean and Southern African storytelling to international markets, supporting both in-house and selected external projects.
https://www.lincolngreenmedia.com/
Instagram: @lincolngreenmedia
Publishing:
Bridge Books (Griffin Shea) | Johannesburg
Bridge Books is a Johannesburg-based independent bookstore, publisher, and literary platform dedicated to African literature, particularly works in African languages. Operating from the inner city, the business combines retail bookselling, small-scale publishing, editorial services, and community-based literary programming. In addition to its commercial activities, Bridge Books operates closely with its non-profit arm, the African Book Trust, which supports libraries, literacy initiatives, and access to books in underserved communities.
https://www.bridgebooks.co.za
Instagram: @bridgebooks
Facebook: @bridgebooksCBD
TikTok: @bridgebooks
YouTube: @bridgebooks
Design and Craft:
Pinda Furniture and Interior Design (Siyanda Mbele) | Durban
Pinda Furniture and Interior Design is a design-led studio specialising in bespoke furniture, rugs, and interior environments that translate African narratives into contemporary, globally competitive design. The practice is rooted in Nguni cultural references and material exploration, positioning African design heritage within premium residential, hospitality, and institutional markets.
Instagram: @pindadesign
Neimil (Keneilwe Mothoa and co-founder Lubabalo Mxalisa) | Johannesburg
Neimil is a South African fashion and homeware brand rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and African heritage. Founded in 2018 by designer and curator Keneilwe Mothoa, the brand reimagines cultural narratives through contemporary silhouettes, sculptural forms, and tactile materials. All products are made locally and in-house, positioning Neimil as a slow-design enterprise that values longevity, cultural integrity, and meaningful production over trend-driven cycles. The fashion line includes structured jackets, dresses, skirts, trousers, and sculptural statement pieces defined by texture, volume, and form. The homeware collection features cushions, vessels, furniture, and décor objects produced using locally sourced materials. In addition to product sales, Neimil delivers curated experiences, installations, and limited B2B services such as styling, art direction, and brand collaborations.
https://neimil.com
Instagram: @neimil
Emotives Africa (Xolela Madlanga) | Johannesburg
Emotives Africa is a contemporary African design brand specialising in expressive multimedia prints, patterns, and artworks that are translated across multiple surfaces and products. The business offers bespoke and licensed patterns, fine art prints, fabrics, apparel, wallpaper, murals, ceramics, homeware, and body art. Its work is rooted in African symbolism, textiles, and geometric abstraction, using design as a tool to communicate emotion, identity, and cultural heritage.
https://xolelam.co.za
Instagram: @xolela_madlang
Akhada Baskets (Tisungane Thomson) | Malawi
Akhada Baskets, based in Lilongwe, Malawi, produces a wide range of handcrafted woven products including storage and laundry baskets, flower pots, placemats, wall hangings, floor mats, handbags, cane chairs, cane tables, and custom designs for homes, shops, hotels, and corporate clients. The business combines traditional Malawian weaving techniques with contemporary design aesthetics and is developing basket-making workshops and cultural experiences as an additional service offering.
https://akhadabaskets.com
Instagram: @akhadabaskets
Fashion:
SWANK JOZI (Lindelani Nedoboni) | Johannesburg
SWANK JOZI is a Johannesburg-born streetwear brand using fashion as a medium for creative storytelling and social commentary. Rooted in local street culture, the brand translates South African narratives and global influences into apparel that builds identity, belonging, and community.
https://swankjozi.com
Instagram: @swank_jozi
Thethana (Nkotseng Moleko) | Lesotho
Thethana is a fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in Basotho cultural heritage, specialising in the design and manufacture of women’s apparel and home-styling products. Drawing heavily on seshoeshoe and other African textiles, the brand combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create distinctive, export-ready products.
Instagram: @thethana_ls
GUGUBYGUGU (Ntombegugu Peteni) | Pretoria
GUGUBYGUGU is a South African luxury knitwear and textile brand founded by award-winning designer Gugu Peteni. The brand is rooted in sustainable production and is driven by a mission to elevate South African natural fibres—particularly mohair and merino wool—onto the global luxury stage. Through contemporary design, responsible manufacturing, and culturally resonant storytelling, GUGUBYGUGU positions African craftsmanship within international high-fashion markets.
https://www.gugubygugu.com
Instagram: @gugubygugu
LEO SZN (Kirsten Leo) | Johannesburg
LEO SZN is a fashion-focused creative consulting firm providing business, brand, and market-development services to fashion designers and beauty brands across South Africa and the broader SADC region. Founded by Kirsten Leo-Situma, the business addresses structural gaps within the fashion ecosystem by supporting designers to professionalise operations, strengthen brand positioning, and improve market access. LEO SZN positions itself as an intermediary between creative talent and commercial opportunity.
http://www.leoszn.co.za
Instagram: @leosznconsulting
House of Xandria (Xandria Kawanga) | Malawi
House of Xandria is a luxury fashion house producing high-end bespoke and ready-to-wear garments for men and women. Founded in Malawi, the brand combines couture craftsmanship with bold African aesthetics and positions itself as a socially conscious fashion brand that promotes empowerment, inclusion, and cultural pride.
Instagram: @iam_xandria
Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error