16 visionary entrepreneurs on the UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab take next steps

It’s been a busy few months for the participants on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) timbuktoo Creatives Lab – a groundbreaking accelerator programme, proudly managed by the CDI, and designed to ignite innovation, promote sustainability, and unlock business growth across Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).

Following the onboarding session in July, the CDI ran an intensive weeklong Design Thinking workshop in partnership with the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking (d-school) at UCT, alongside Business Model Canvas sessions. These gave participants the tools to refine their creative problem-solving, sharpen their business strategies, and position their enterprises for growth.

The cohort also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in FAME Week Africa 2025, where they made valuable industry connections, and tapped into new opportunities for collaboration and investment.

According to Nkosiphambili Molapisi of global music distribution platform, Sync Discovery, the programme has delivered significant results for his business. “This has been a milestone moment for Sync Discovery. The platform provided immediate, practical skills through the Design Thinking workshop but the launch showcase and networking opportunities at Fame Week were transformative. We secured early access sign-ups, conducted high-profile interviews and most significantly secured follow-up meetings with major industry players. The programme has accelerated our business momentum and laid a clear path to measurable industry impact and revenue,” said Molapisi.

For Althea De Wet of Kind Arts, the experience has marked a turning point in both her personal and professional journey. “The Design Thinking workshop gave us the opportunity to pause and re-evaluate our business after five years, helping us to think more strategically about sustainability and client retention. Connecting with other creatives and being a part of the Creative Hub launch and exhibition – including meeting the Mayor of Atlanta – was inspiring and opened exciting possibilities for collaboration that we are in the process of exploring,” she said.

Showcasing Africa’s creative future at the timbuktoo Creatives Hub

Momentum continued in early September at the timbuktoo Creatives Hub Showcase, at the Homecoming Centre in District Six by UNDP South Africa with partners including the CDI, Western Cape Government, UVU Africa, and Snake Nation. The event celebrated the vibrant creativity emerging from the continent and placed Africa’s creative economy firmly on the global stage.

The showcase featured exhibitions by all of the timbuktoo participants, live performances, and presentations, highlighting the transformative potential of CCIs as a driver of jobs, exports, and innovation. The evening also marked a milestone announcement: Atlanta will become timbuktoo’s first corridor node in the United States.

“Africa’s creative economy is more than cultural expression – it is a serious driver of jobs, exports, and economic growth,” said Gloria Kiondo, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa. “Through the timbuktoo Creatives Hub, we are showing that Africa’s talent is not only ready, but also globally competitive.”

Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde highlighted the uniqueness of Africa’s creative voice: “Africa is blessed with some of the most amazing places in the world. But the real magic is layered on top: the people, the sounds, the flavours, the culture. That is our story… This launchpad for modern businesses into the experiential economy is so important.”

Building an ecosystem for growth

CDI Project Manager, Marco Morgan, noted the importance of bespoke support being offered by the CDI within the timbuktoo Creatives Lab as well as the enormous value of the showcasing and networking opportunities provided so far, both peer-to-peer amongst the cohort as well as with key stakeholders and potential investors:

“Creative entrepreneurs who understand and actively engage with the systems around them, from networks to resources, are better positioned to thrive in today’s fast-paced landscape. The timbuktoo Creatives Lab Programme harnesses these networks to democratise access to the knowledge and tools often locked within complex innovation ecosystems,” said Morgan.

Looking ahead

The  journey of the participants with the CDI will culminate in a Graduation Showcase in late 2025, where each will present their refined business to stakeholders, potential investors, and partners – opening new doors to future opportunities.

The timbuktoo projects in South Africa are an initiative of UNDP with local partners the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the Craft and Design Institute, UVU Africa, and youth-focused media network Snake Nation.

Images below: participants at the showcase at the timbuktoo Creatives Hub Showcase