South African Creative Entrepreneurs Take Centre Stage in Création Africa 2 Top 15
South African Creative Entrepreneurs Take Centre Stage in Création Africa 2 Top 15. South African creative entrepreneurs make up the majority of the 15 businesses selected for Création Africa 2, a France-backed programme designed to help creative businesses strengthen their operations, become investment-ready and pursue growth opportunities.
The finalists were selected from more than 340 applications across Southern Africa. South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi are represented in the final cohort, with women accounting for 67% of the selected businesses.
Among the South African entrepreneurs selected are Siyanda Mbele of Pinda Furniture and Interior Design, Keneilwe Mothoa and co-founder Lubabalo Mxalisa of Neimil, and Xolela Madlanga of Emotives Africa.
The fashion category includes Swank Jozi founder Lindelani Nedoboni, while Gugubygugu is represented by Gugu Peteni and Leo Szn by Kirsten Leo. Xandria Kawanga of House of Xandria is also part of the cohort.
Other South African creative businesses selected include Vetkoek Studios, led by Mamello Raboroko and co-founder Eric Gardiner, Lincoln Green Media, led by Kudakwashe ‘Kudi’ Maradzika, Better Yet, led by Hallie Haller, Music Business Lab, led by Ninel Musson, iQhawe Media, led by Renaé Mangena and Anastatia Nkhuna, and Bridge Books, led by Griffin Shea.
The businesses operate across sectors including design and craft, fashion, gaming, film, television, animation, music, digital media and publishing.
Following a seven-week mentorship programme and final pitching process, the selected entrepreneurs are now entering a seven-month tailored incubation programme running until October 2026.
The programme will focus on strengthening business models and value propositions while providing access to industry expertise, investor networks, strategic guidance and funding-readiness support.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with UVU Africa through its Capaciti digital skills and enterprise development platform, with support from Team France.
Benjamin Cabouat, deputy head of mission and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, said the number and quality of applications demonstrated the strength of creative entrepreneurship in the region.
For the South African founders in the cohort, the incubation phase provides an opportunity to further develop their businesses while exploring investment, scaling and market opportunities.
