Timbuktoo Creative Ideation Programme

About

The Timbuktoo Creative Ideation Programme is a fully virtual, 6-week initiative aimed at early-stage founders in Africa's creative industries, providing essential structure for validating ideas, building entrepreneurial skills, and preparing participants for market entry and funding opportunities through mentorship, peer feedback, and interactive learning sessions.

Benefits

• 🎓Training & Mentorship
  Experiential learning through interactive peer reviews and mentorship circles
• 🛠️ Resources & Tools
  Hands-on venture building including idea validation and business model development
• 🎤Publicity Opportunities
  Real-time pitch preparation and storytelling practice
• 🛠️ Resources & Tools
  Access to tech tools and resources for virtual learning via Zoom/MS Teams
• 🛠️ Resources & Tools
  Use of digital business design tools like the Business Model Canvas
• 🎤Publicity Opportunities
  Emphasis on storytelling, branding, and African cultural expression
• 🤝Networking Opportunities
  Inclusive support for youth, women, and underrepresented creative voices
• 🤝Networking Opportunities
  Builds a Pan-African community of creatives
• 🛠️ Resources & Tools
  Encourages scalable business models leveraging digital creativity
• 🎓Training & Mentorship
  Strengthens digital literacy and low-cost marketing skills
• 🤝Networking Opportunities
  Facilitates ecosystem linkages with funders, institutions, and investors

Eligibility Criteria

• Creative entrepreneurs at the ideation or prototype stage
• Individuals or teams with well-articulated ideas
• Applicants aged 18–35 (priority given to youth and women)
• Residents of Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zambia
• Demonstrated originality and potential for scalability
• Passion, creativity, and coachability
• Commitment to fully participating in the 6-week programme
• Open to diverse creative industries including audio-visual, design, music, multi-media, cultural and natural heritage preservation
• Pre-revenue or early prototype ventures
• Not currently in another incubation/acceleration programme

Target Sector

Creative Industries

Target Location

Africa