The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the timbuktoo Launchpad, a program dedicated to providing incubation and mentorship for CreativeTech startups across Africa. This initiative is designed to identify and support promising entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions for the creative economy. The Launchpad is a core component of timbuktoo, the UNDP's comprehensive pan-African platform aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the continent.
Programme Focus Areas
• Supporting CreativeTech startups and strengthening the creative economy.
• Providing incubation support, mentorship, and access to digital tools.
• Building a pan-African ecosystem of founders and investors.
• Enabling innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
• Supporting technology-enabled solutions to improve startup scalability and growth.
• Preparing startups for investment readiness and active ecosystem participation.
Programme Benefits
• Structured incubation support delivered by established African incubators.
• Access to experienced mentors and industry experts.
• Participation in a pan-African network of founders and ecosystem partners.
• Access to the Seedstars SIGMA platform for tracking development and progress.
• Investment readiness support, including pitch development, investor engagement, and demo days.
• Opportunities for acceleration and pathways to early-stage investment.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be startups based in Africa or building solutions for African markets.
• Startups should have a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP).
• A committed founding team must be in place.
• The solution must be technology-enabled, relevant to the creative economy, and demonstrate potential for growth and scalability.
Application Details
• Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
• More Information: Interested parties can find further details by visiting the UNDP.
The timbuktoo Launchpad represents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to scale their technology-enabled solutions within Africa's vibrant creative industries. By providing comprehensive support from incubation to investment readiness, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators who will shape the future of the continent's creative economy.

