Madhouse, in collaboration with the University of Lagos, recently concluded its Lens-Based Incubation Programme, designed to empower African creatives with essential business skills and support. This initiative aims to address critical challenges faced by the creative industry in Africa, such as funding accessibility, intellectual property protection, and limited training opportunities.
The programme culminated in a Demo Day pitch competition, where the winning project, AfrikoHub—an AI-powered platform connecting businesses with Afro-centric content—received $10,000 in seed funding. This funding is intended to help creative entrepreneurs scale their ventures globally, create jobs, and contribute significantly to economic growth across the continent.
Participants in the Lens-Based Incubation Programme benefited from mentorship by industry leaders and received training in various areas including investment readiness, ideation, design thinking, product development, and legal considerations. The programme’s impact was highlighted by participants like Tunde Raphael of AfrikoHub, who emphasized how it accelerated their business growth and provided practical insights from successful entrepreneurs.
Christiana Fagbenro, another participant, highlighted the transformative effect of the programme on her approach to funding and business structure, particularly noting the invaluable mentorship and equal opportunities provided.
Madhouse’s role extends beyond training and funding; it fosters an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration through state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with industry experts. The Demo Day event showcased not only innovative projects but also featured discussions on sustainable creative business practices and exhibited recycled art creations.
The judges at the pitch competition included distinguished figures such as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, and executives from organizations like the British Council and VFD Group, underscoring the programme’s credibility and impact.
Overall, Madhouse continues to play a crucial role in advancing Africa’s creative and cultural sectors, equipping a new generation of innovators with the skills and resources needed to succeed on a global scale. For more information about Madhouse and its initiatives, visit their website at www.tikeraafrica.org.
