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

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