About this opportunity
Applications are now open for the UNDP Timbuktoo Launchpad Programme 2026 , a pan-African incubation programme designed to support CreativeTech startups building innovative, technology-enabled solutions for Africa’s creative economy. Delivered through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub hosted in South Africa , the programme is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) .
It aims to help promising CreativeTech entrepreneurs scale their businesses through structured incubation, mentorship, investment readiness support, and access to a continent-wide innovation ecosystem.
Benefits and support
Selected startups will receive: Structured incubation delivered by leading African incubators One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts Access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform for startup development and AI-powered guidance Investment readiness training and pitch development support Opportunities to engage with investors and strategic partners Participation in demo days and ecosystem events across Africa Access to the pan-African timbuktoo Launchpad network of founders, incubators, and innovation partners Potential pathways to acceleration programmes and early-stage investment opportunities.
Eligibility
Applicants must: Be based in Africa or building solutions for African markets Have a working prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Have a committed founding team Be developing a technology-enabled solution for the creative economy Demonstrate strong potential for growth and scalability UNDP particularly encourages applications from: Women-led startups Youth entrepreneurs Founders from underserved communities.
Focus Areas
The programme welcomes startups building solutions in areas such as: Digital content creation Animation Gaming Music technology Film and media technology Design technology Creator economy platforms Immersive technologies (AR/VR/XR) AI-powered creative solutions Other technology-driven innovations supporting Africa’s creative industries. Why This Matters Africa’s creative economy is one of the continent’s fastest-growing sectors, yet many CreativeTech startups struggle to access mentorship, investment, and structured business support.
The Timbuktoo Launchpad Programme bridges this gap by connecting founders with expert mentors, digital tools, investors, and a pan-African innovation ecosystem that helps startups grow and scale. The programme is part of UNDP’s broader timbuktoo initiative, which aims to support 10,000 startups , scale 1,000 high-growth ventures , and mobilize US$1 billion in investment across Africa.
Application timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. New cohorts are admitted every quarter, with the first cohort beginning in September 2026 .
Early applications are encouraged.
Application steps
Interested CreativeTech entrepreneurs can learn more and submit their applications through the official UNDP programme page: APPLY HERE
Sources and verification
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