From celebrating their graduation in Cape Town to showcasing their creativity on the runway and sharing industry expertise, the Création Africa Top 15 entrepreneurs marked an exciting milestone at FAME Week Africa 2026.
The Création Africa Top 15 entrepreneurs from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi celebrated the completion of their seven-month incubation programme on 27 October 2026 at UVU Africa in Cape Town, before participating in FAME Week Africa 2026, held from 28 October to 1 November.
Selected from 340 applicants, the Top 15 represent the final cohort of the programme’s second edition, implemented by UVU Africa through CAPACITI. Their graduation marked the culmination of six months of mentorship, business development and entrepreneurial training aimed at strengthening creative businesses and preparing them for new markets.
With France as the official Destination Focus at FAME Week Africa 2026, the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their work, share their expertise and connect with leading French and African cultural and creative industry professionals.
Sharing African creative expertise on the international stage
Throughout FAME Week Africa, Création Africa finalists contributed to industry panels exploring intellectual property, illustration, youth content, filmmaking and storytelling.
Highlights included:
- IP That Travels: From Screen to Shelf to Stage – Eric Gardiner of Vetkoek Studios explored how creative intellectual property can expand across platforms and markets.
- From Paper to Platform to Product: How Illustration Becomes Cultural Currency – Xolela Madlanga of Emotives Africa shared insights into transforming illustration into commercially viable creative products.
- What Works for Kids? Storytelling, Screens & the Future of Youth Content in Africa & MENA – Griffin Shea of Bridge Books contributed perspectives on children’s content and evolving audiences.
- Young, Gifted & Building the Future: Producers, Directors & Screenwriters to Watch – Kudi Maradzika of Lincoln Green Media and Hallie Haller of Better Yet discussed emerging voices and opportunities in African screen production.
- Why Short-Form Storytelling Is More Than a Stepping Stone – Hallie Haller explored the creative and commercial potential of short-form filmmaking.
These discussions positioned the finalists not only as emerging entrepreneurs but also as industry voices contributing to conversations shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
African fashion on the runway
Fashion was another major highlight of the programme, with Création Africa designers presenting their collections at the Tastes + Threads Fashion Show.
Across two runway chapters, Urban Pulse and Africa Elevated, participating brands SWANK JOZI, Emotives x THETHANA, House of Xandria, Neimil and GUGUBYGUGU showcased the diversity of African fashion, from contemporary streetwear and luxury design to heritage-inspired collections and craftsmanship. Click here to watch highlights from the Tastes + Threads Fashion Show!
GUGUBYGUGU received the Most Promising Designer Award at the fashion show, recognising the brand’s creative potential and distinctive approach to design.
Showcasing creativity and building connections
Beyond the runway and industry discussions, the Création Africa pop-up shop gave entrepreneurs a dedicated space to present their products, engage with visitors, and explore potential commercial partnerships.
Création Africa was also represented at the official opening of the French Pavilion. Xolela Madlanga, founder of Emotives Africa, designed a unique ribbon for the ceremony, incorporating her creative vision into the celebration of France’s Destination Focus.
The ribbon was unveiled during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Sophie Bel, Consul General of France in Cape Town.
Watch Xolela share the inspiration behind her ribbon design.
Next stop: Paris
Building on the momentum of their graduation and FAME Week Africa participation, the Création Africa Top 15 are preparing for their next major milestone: an international immersion programme in Paris from 23–27 November 2026.
On the occasion of the conference, “We are French Touch”, the programme will connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, industry professionals and partners from France’s cultural and creative industries, providing opportunities to explore international markets, expand their networks and strengthen their business development strategies.
View more photos from the Création Africa Day graduation
About Création Africa
Création Africa is an initiative of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
Its second edition supports creative entrepreneurs across South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi through mentorship, incubation, market access and international networking, strengthening the growth and sustainability of Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
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