The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa has partnered with UVU Accelerate, the entrepreneurial development arm of UVU Africa, to establish Africa’s first dedicated creative-tech hub in Cape Town. The Timbuktoo Creative Hub, currently under development at the Homecoming Centre in District Six, aims to provide infrastructure, business support, and technology to help creative entrepreneurs turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
The initiative marks a significant step in bolstering Africa’s $4.2 billion creative economy, which includes industries such as film, music, fashion, gaming, animation, and digital arts. Despite its potential, the sector has long faced challenges, including limited access to funding, fragmented networks, and a lack of dedicated support structures — issues the hub seeks to address.
The Timbuktoo Creative Hub will function as a collaborative workspace, offering entrepreneurs access to mentorship, investment opportunities, and digital tools. It is part of a broader pan-African Timbuktoo initiative, which plans to launch 10 innovation hubs across the continent, focusing on high-growth sectors.
Lara Rosmarin, Head of Entrepreneur Development at UVU Accelerate, said in a statement to Launch Base Africa:
“Creative industries are a major driver of economic growth, yet African creatives often lack the resources to scale. This hub will be a game-changer — providing a platform for collaboration, commercialisation, and connection to global markets.”
A soft launch event was held recently, bringing together UNDP officials, government representatives, and industry leaders, including:
- Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator
- Maxwell Gomera, UNDP South Africa Resident Representative
- Alderman James Vos, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth
- Jo-Ann Johnston, Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT)
Attendees participated in an interactive art jamming session, symbolising the hub’s collaborative ethos. Local graffiti artist Levi Harris also created a live artwork for the space.
Why Cape Town?
Cape Town has emerged as a key node in Africa’s creative and tech ecosystems, home to a growing number of animation studios, fashion designers, and digital startups. The city’s government has actively supported creative industries through initiatives like the Cape Town International Animation Festival and partnerships with organisations such as the Craft and Design Institute (CDI).
Ian Merrington, CEO of UVU Africa, emphasised the importance of cluster development:
“Globally, creative industries thrive in strong ecosystems. By building this hub, we’re positioning Africa as a leader in creative technology — attracting investment, fostering innovation, and driving job creation.”
The project is backed by UNDP, DEDAT, UVU Accelerate, the Craft and Design Institute, and Snake Nation. While exact funding figures remain undisclosed, the UNDP has framed the initiative as a “catalytic investment” in Africa’s imagination economy — where creativity meets commercial opportunity.
Maxwell Gomera, UNDP South Africa Resident Representative, added:
“This is about more than just business — it’s about reshaping Africa’s narrative through the ingenuity of its people. By supporting creative entrepreneurs, we unlock economic potential while solving real-world challenges.”
What’s Next?
The hub is expected to fully launch later this year, with applications for residency and programmes opening soon. Its success could set a precedent for similar hubs across Africa, addressing the longstanding gap in structured support for creative entrepreneurs.
For now, all eyes are on Cape Town — as the continent’s first creative-tech hub takes shape, promising to redefine Africa’s creative economy.