LALI VAN ZUYDAM
This week, 12 innovative entrepreneurs from South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho embarked on a transformative journey to France, joining forces as part of the Création Africa programme.
This ambitious R24 million initiative, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to elevate the region’s cultural and creative industries on a global platform, making a mark at BIG 2024 in Paris—the largest business and investment forum in Europe.
Selected from a competitive pool of over 700 applicants, these entrepreneurs, equipped with five months of intensive mentorship from South African incubation partner UVU Africa, aimed to showcase their unique businesses while absorbing valuable insights from established industry leaders.
During their time in Paris, the group delved deep into the heart of Europe’s creative landscape, visiting prestigious institutions that included the French Institute in Paris, Chanel’s Le19M fashion centre, and the renowned luxury group Kering. They participated in creative sessions with reputable entities such as Casa 93 fashion school and Federation Entertainment, enriching their understanding of the creative system that France is celebrated for.
“France is synonymous with luxury, and it was vital for us to learn from their creative systems and adapt them to our contexts,” expressed Glorinah Khutso Mabaso, the founder of Renaissance Design. She acknowledged the connections she made, which could greatly enhance the research aspect of her work.
Reflecting on the experience, Julian Kubel from LSJ Clothing and Merchandising described the Bpifrance BIG event as fulfilling its promise. “It offered valuable networking opportunities and featured a wide range of insightful talks,” he shared, highlighting the dynamic nature of the forum.
Giyani Mashimbye of Giya viewed the BIG forum as a significant milestone for his business, aiming to introduce their distinct products to French interior designers captivated by African aesthetics. “Attending BIG with Création Africa was an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable insights,” he stated, showcasing the forum's role in bridging gaps between local talent and international markets.
Création Africa is designed to empower creative entrepreneurship in Southern Africa, providing essential mentorship and funding that connect local talents with potential international investors. The highlighted twelve businesses participating in this groundbreaking initiative include Ananta Design Studio, Giya, LSJ Clothing and Merchandising/Butan, Moodswing, Pineapple on Pizza Studios, Renaissance Design, SpaceSalad Studios, Tendalo Trading, and Thebe Magugu from South Africa; Kwacha Creative Studios and Terry Made Designs from Malawi; and SourceCode Motion Pictures from Lesotho.