The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially opened applications for the first cohort of the Timbuktoo Launchpad 2026, a pan-African incubation programme designed to empower innovative CreativeTech startups across the continent.

Hosted through the Timbuktoo Creatives Hub in South Africa, this initiative aims to identify, nurture, and accelerate startups developing technology-driven solutions for Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy. Selected startups will gain access to structured incubation, expert mentorship, digital tools, investor networks, and opportunities to scale their businesses across Africa.

If your startup is transforming industries such as gaming, animation, film, music, digital media, immersive technologies, creative artificial intelligence (AI), design, or other creative sectors, this programme provides an exceptional opportunity to accelerate your growth and connect with one of Africa’s largest innovation ecosystems.

About the Timbuktoo Launchpad

Timbuktoo Launchpad is part of UNDP’s flagship Timbuktoo initiative, a continent-wide platform established to position Africa as a global innovation hub by supporting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build impactful and scalable businesses.

The programme connects startups with accredited incubators, experienced mentors, investors, ecosystem partners, and learning platforms that provide practical guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

The first incubation cohort will begin in:

September 2026

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with new cohorts starting every three months.

Why the Creative Economy Matters

Africa’s creative economy is one of the continent’s fastest-growing sectors, fueled by:

• Rapid digital transformation
• Increased internet connectivity
• A growing youth population
• Rising demand for digital content
• Expansion of technology-enabled creative businesses

Across Africa, entrepreneurs are creating innovative solutions in digital entertainment, education, culture, media, and creative technologies. However, many startups continue to encounter significant challenges, including:

• Limited access to business mentorship
• Difficulty attracting investment
• Limited networking opportunities
• Lack of structured incubation support
• Challenges scaling into regional markets

The Timbuktoo Launchpad seeks to bridge these gaps by providing startups with the knowledge, resources, and networks required to grow sustainable businesses.

What is the Timbuktoo Creatives Hub?

The Timbuktoo Creatives Hub, hosted in South Africa, serves as a continental platform dedicated to supporting innovation within Africa’s creative industries.

The hub connects entrepreneurs with:

• Industry experts
• Investors
• Innovation hubs
• Incubators
• Business mentors
• Strategic partners
• Markets across Africa

Its mission is to strengthen Africa’s creative economy while helping startups become globally competitive businesses.

Programme Benefits

Selected startups will receive comprehensive business support designed to improve growth, innovation, and investment readiness.

Benefits include:

Structured Incubation

Participants will join professionally managed incubation programmes delivered by leading African incubators within the Timbuktoo ecosystem.

These programmes help founders strengthen:

• Business strategy
• Product development
• Customer acquisition
• Market expansion
• Business operations
• Leadership capacity

Expert Mentorship

Startups will receive guidance from:

• Experienced entrepreneurs
• Industry professionals
• Business advisors
• Innovation experts
• Startup mentors

Mentorship focuses on helping founders overcome common startup challenges while building scalable businesses.

Pan-African Innovation Network

Participants become part of a growing ecosystem that includes:

• Startup founders
• Innovation hubs
• Investors
• Corporate partners
• Accelerators
• Incubators
• Development organizations

This network creates opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and long-term business growth across Africa.

Access to the Seedstars SIGMA Platform

Selected startups will receive access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform, which powers the Timbuktoo Launchpad experience.

The platform provides:

• AI-powered startup guidance
• Mentor matching
• Learning resources
• Business development tools
• Progress tracking
• Investment readiness support

These digital resources help founders build stronger businesses while preparing for future fundraising opportunities.

Investment Readiness

The programme prepares startups to engage investors through:

• Pitch deck development
• Investor engagement coaching
• Business refinement
• Growth planning
• Fundraising preparation

Demo Days and Ecosystem Events

Participants may also receive opportunities to:

• Present their businesses during demo days
• Participate in innovation showcases
• Join startup ecosystem events across Africa
• Meet investors and ecosystem partners

Pathways to Further Growth

High-performing startups may gain access to:

• Acceleration programmes
• Early-stage investment opportunities
• Expanded regional partnerships
• Continued ecosystem support

Who Should Apply?

UNDP encourages applications from startups that are building innovative technology solutions for Africa’s creative industries.

Eligible startups should:

• Be based in Africa or developing products for African markets.
• Have a working prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Have a committed founding team.
• Build technology-enabled solutions.
• Demonstrate strong growth potential and scalability.

CreativeTech Sectors Eligible

Applications are welcome from startups working across a wide range of creative industries, including:

• Gaming
• Animation
• Film
• Music
• Digital Media
• Creative AI
• Creator Economy Platforms
• Design
• Immersive Technologies
• Cultural Industries
• Digital Content Creation
• Interactive Media
• Other technology-enabled creative innovations

If your startup combines creativity with technology to solve real-world problems or create new market opportunities, this programme could be an ideal fit.

Priority Applicants

While applications are open to eligible startups across Africa, UNDP particularly encourages applications from:

• Women-led startups
• Youth entrepreneurs
• Founders from underserved communities

This reflects the programme’s commitment to promoting inclusive innovation and expanding opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs.

About Timbuktoo

Timbuktoo is UNDP’s flagship innovation initiative designed to establish Africa as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Its ambitious long-term goals include:

• Supporting 10,000 startups
• Scaling 1,000 high-growth ventures
• Mobilizing US$1 billion in investment
• Creating transformative economic opportunities throughout Africa

The initiative brings together innovation hubs, universities, investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners to strengthen Africa’s startup ecosystem and unlock the continent’s innovation potential.

Why You Should Apply

Joining the Timbuktoo Launchpad offers far more than traditional incubation support. It provides founders with access to one of Africa’s most comprehensive startup ecosystems, connecting them with experienced mentors, investors, strategic partners, and business development resources.

Whether you’re building the next breakthrough gaming platform, revolutionizing digital media, advancing creative AI, or transforming Africa’s film, music, or animation industries, this programme can help accelerate your journey from startup to scalable business.

If you’re ready to grow your CreativeTech venture and become part of a pan-African network of innovators, now is the perfect time to apply.

Deadline

Applications are open on a rolling basis.

The first incubation cohort begins in September 2026, with additional cohorts starting every three months. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

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