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Chocolate City Group’s (CCG) Founders Fund Africa has officially opened applications for its inaugural creative economy accelerator programme.
The group is inviting ambitious founders building innovative startups across music, film and media, design and creative tech to apply for the opportunity to accelerate their businesses through funding opportunities, expert mentorship, strategic partnerships and investor readiness support.
The application launch follows the unveiling of the US$1 million Founders Fund during Chocolate City Group’s 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025, where the initiative was officially launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. Established in partnership with Argentil Capital Management Limited and implemented by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), Founders Fund Africa was created to identify, support and accelerate the next generation of entrepreneurs building scalable businesses across Africa’s creative economy.
Speaking on the opening of applications, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori, said the programme represents an important step towards unlocking opportunities for creative founders across the continent.
“Founders Fund Africa was created to unlock opportunities for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. Across Africa, we’re seeing founders build innovative businesses that are redefining music, film, design and technology, yet many still struggle to access the support they need to scale. Opening applications marks the beginning of that journey. We’re looking for founders with bold ideas, strong execution and the ambition to build businesses that will shape the future of Africa’s creative economy.”
The inaugural accelerator will select 10 high-potential startups to participate in an intensive programme designed to strengthen business fundamentals, improve investment readiness and connect founders with experienced operators, investors and industry leaders. Selected startups will also have the opportunity to access US$20,000 to US$50,000 in funding, alongside tailored mentorship and strategic support to accelerate growth.
Co-founder/Executive Vice Chairman of Chocolate City Group, Paul Okeugo, said the accelerator reflects lessons learned from building one of Africa’s leading independent entertainment companies.
“Over the last two decades, we’ve learned that building a successful company takes more than talent or access to capital. It takes the right guidance, meaningful partnerships and people who believe in your vision.
Founders Fund Africa is about giving creative founders access to support, so they can build businesses that endure.”
CCG’s investment partner, Argentil Capital Management Limited, provides expertise in investment advisory, venture building and capital allocation to the programme, helping to identify founders with the potential to build commercially viable businesses capable of delivering long-term value.
Managing Partner, Argentil Capital Management Limited, Gbenga Hassan, said the programme reflects the growing maturity of Africa’s creative economy as an investment opportunity.
“Africa’s creative economy is no longer an emerging opportunity. It’s an investable sector with founders building commercially viable businesses across the continent. Through Founders Fund Africa, we’re looking to back founders with strong fundamentals, scalable business models and the ambition to create lasting value.
“The accelerator programme provides a key part of the solution to unlocking Africa’s vast creative talent pool while our other financing initiatives will ensure continued support as the businesses scale.”
Offering guidance to prospective applicants, CFA Investment Principal, Argentil Capital Management Limited, Sylvester Ayisi, encouraged founders to approach the application process with clarity and purpose.
“This is more than a funding application. We want founders to clearly articulate the problem they’re solving, the strength of their business model and their vision for growth. The founders who stand out will be those who combine ambition with clarity, resilience and the ability to execute.”
Applications are now open to startups operating across Music, Film and Media, Design and Creative Tech.
Applicants will be assessed based on the strength of their business model, market opportunity, innovation, execution capability and potential to build sustainable businesses that contribute meaningfully to Africa’s creative economy.
Applications close on August 28.
