The entrepreneurial development arm of UVU Africa, UVU Accelerate, has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa to spearhead the ecosystem development for Africa’s first specialised creative-tech hub. Africa’s creative economy will be supported and scaled to a new level with the launch of the Timbuktoo Creative Hub project in Cape Town. This announcement was made by UVU Accelerate on Friday.
Aims of the Timbuktoo Creative Hub
A vibrant hub for Africa’s creative entrepreneurs, the hub is currently being built at the Homecoming Centre (formerly the Athol Fugard Theatre) in District Six. The hub is intended to serve as a growth engine for the creative industries, which include the film, music, fashion, gaming, animation, design, and digital arts sectors. It will offer the necessary technology, business support, and infrastructure to assist creatives in turning their skills into profitable ventures.
In its role as hub manager, UVU Accelerate will collaborate with important partners to create an ecosystem that supports investment, innovation, and teamwork in the creative-tech industry.
“Creative industries are a major driver of economic growth, yet African creatives often lack access to the resources, networks, and funding needed to scale their businesses,” said Lara Rosmarin, Head of Entrepreneur Development at UVU Accelerate. “The Timbuktoo Creative Hub will provide a game-changing platform for creative entrepreneurs to connect, co-create, and commercialise their work, accelerating the growth of Africa’s creative economy.”
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Soft launch to create robust creative ecosystem
To commemorate the beginning of this project, a soft launch event was recently organised, bringing together local entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. Participants in an interactive art jam session produced a group piece of art that represented the value of teamwork in establishing a robust, interconnected creative ecosystem. Additionally, the first piece of art for the hub was created live by local graffiti artist Levi Harris during the event.
Ian Merrington, CEO of UVU Africa, highlighted the significance of cluster development in generating economic opportunity while discussing the project’s overarching vision: “Globally, creative industries thrive when supported by strong ecosystems. Through the Timbuktoo Creative Hub, we are building a dedicated cluster that will boost investment, unlock opportunities, and position Africa as a global leader in creative technology. We aim to create an environment where creative entrepreneurs can scale their businesses, contribute to job creation, and drive economic transformation.”
Cutting-edge workspace for artists collaborate and access digital tools
Soon to open, the Timbuktoo Creative Hub will provide a cutting-edge workspace where artists can collaborate and access digital tools, funding, and mentorship. The programme is a component of a larger UNDP and partner initiative to empower African entrepreneurs and acknowledge their enormous potential to propel economic growth throughout the continent.
Additionally, UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub Director and Resident Representative Maxwell Gomera says, “Our work with the creatives represents a visionary and catalytic investment in Africa’s burgeoning imagination economy — where creativity meets innovation to solve real-world challenges. By nurturing creative entrepreneurs and catalysing new business models, we are not only unlocking economic opportunity but also shaping a new narrative for Africa, driven by the ingenuity of its people.”
Key dignitaries, including UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, Maxwell Gomera, City of Cape Town Alderman James Vos, and Jo-Ann Johnston, Head of Department for the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), were present at the project soft launch along with local creative entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Key partners UNDP, DEDAT, UVU Accelerate, the Craft and Design Institute, and Snake Nation will contribute to the implementation of the Timbuktoo Creatives Hub.