Call for Applications: UNDP 2025 timbuktoo Creatives Lab for Creative Entrepreneurs

Implemented by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), this pioneering accelerator programme is designed to help 15 high-potential creative businesses thrive in 2025.

As part of the global UNDP timbuktoo initiative, the Creatives Lab is a unique acceleration programme that blends financial and non-financial support, tailored to the specific needs of each participating creative entrepreneur. The Lab is a new UNDP offering, alongside the soon-to-be-launched timbuktoo Creatives Hub (implemented by UVU Africa)in District Six, Cape Town – a dynamic space where creatives can connect, collaborate, and innovate.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
• UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab
• Aim and Benefits of UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab
• Requirements for UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. This is a critical time for the world. At UNDP, we see this period as a huge opportunity to advance the global sustainable development agenda. In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all ... continue reading

UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab

Aim and Benefits of UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab

• Tailor-made growth support: We’ll deep dive into digital technologies, advanced production techniques, sustainable design methods, and market access strategies.
• Bespoke financial support: Receive a targeted grant aligned with a personalised growth intervention plan.
• Vital business skills: Learn key strategies to scale your business.
• Access to experts & networks: Connect with leading industry professionals, investors, and mentors.
• Opportunity to join a thriving creative ecosystem: Become part of a community of high-growth creative entrepreneurs.

Requirements for UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab Qualification

The Lab is looking for ambitious creative entrepreneurs in the following sectors:

• Audio-visual
• Design: Graphic, Fashion, Industrial, Architecture, Interior
• Music: Recording, Live Music, Instruments & Production, Festivals
• Multi-media
• Organisations aligned to Cultural & Natural Heritage Preservation

• Applicants from all regions in South Africa and all other African countries will be considered
• Applicants must have a registered businesses, operating within the sectors of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) listed above 
• Businesses between 2 – 5 years in operation 
• Businesses with an annual turnover of R200 000 and above 

• Women, youth and marginalised groups are encouraged to apply (including black-owned businesses, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and rural-area based entrepreneurs) 
• This is a bespoke part-time programme, designed around your needs and will require an agreed number of hours in commitment per month.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit UNDP webpage