Chocolate City’s Founder’s Fund: A Beacon of Hope for Aspiring Artists and Creatives
The Chocolate City Creators Fund is a $1,000,000 initiative designed to support and empower young creative entrepreneurs in the African creative sector, with a keen focus on women empowerment. The fund will support music, film, gaming, and content creation.
Young Creators & Women in Creative Industries
Nigeria currently boasts the youngest population in the world with a median age of 18.1 and approximately 70% of people under the age of 30 while people who are 15 and below make up 42% the population. Women make up 49% of the population.
The creative industries represent a significant opportunities for these young people to find gainful employment through dignified jobs and entrepreneurship. According to reports the sector already provides 4.2 million jobs today. This is clearly inadequate. Furthermore, despite the fact that women make up a significant portion of the workforce in Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s creative industries, inclusion for women is still a challenge.
At Chocolate City we see this as a lost opportunity and have designed our fund to address this. 50% of the fund will be earmarked exclusively for women.
Although comprehensive statistics are lacking, it’s clear that women are vital contributors to Africa’s creative economy. Efforts to support women creatives and entrepreneurs, such as through training, mentorship, and access to finance, can help unlock their full potential in driving inclusive growth in these dynamic sectors. This can be done without excluding men as well , the objective is to create an inclusive program.
Women's Employment in Africa's Creative Industries
Music and Performing Arts
While men tend to dominate the spotlight, women are increasingly making their mark as performers, producers, and managers in Africa's music and entertainment scenes.
Film & Media
Women's participation in this sector is growing but remains underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. Initiatives like the African Women in Media Conference aim to support and empower women in this field.
Digital & Creative Industries
As Africa's digital economy expands, women are playing a key role in areas like graphic design, animation, and digital marketing. However, a gender gap persists, particularly in tech-related creative fields.
Fashion & Textiles
Women dominate this sector, making up an estimated 70-80% of the workforce in many African countries. For example, in Nigeria, women account for about 70% of the textile, apparel, and footwear industries.
Crafts
Women are heavily involved in traditional crafts such as pottery, basketry, and beadwork. In countries like Ghana and South Africa, women make up a majority of artisans in these fields.
Our Mission
We strive to foster a robust and flourishing creative sector by providing young entrepreneurs and artists with the resources, funding, and support needed to transform their ideas into successful businesses and contribute to a more robust, more vibrant economy.
The Solutions
Education and Training
Provide targeted education and skill-building programs for young people especially women and girls, focusing on areas like digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Partner with schools and universities to promote creative careers.
Access to Finance
Improve access to funding and investment opportunities, such as through targeted grants, loans, and venture capital funds. Provide financial literacy training and support.
Workplace Policies
Encourage creative businesses and organizations to adopt gender-responsive policies and practices, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and anti-discrimination measures.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Foster collaboration between women creatives, businesses, and organizations, both within and across countries. Engage with international partners to share best practices and resources.
Policy and Advocacy
Engage with policymakers and government agencies to promote policies and programs that support women’s participation in the creative industries, such as tax incentives, intellectual property protections, and gender-responsive budgeting.
Mentorship and Networks
Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals in the creative industries with emerging talent. Support professional networks and associations for women creatives.
Visibility and Representation
Showcase the work and achievements of youths in the creative industries through exhibitions, festivals, and media coverage. Promote diversity and inclusivity in the portrayal of women in creative content.
Addressing Gender Stereotypes
Challenge and dismantle gender stereotypes that limit women’s participation in certain creative fields, such as the notion that technology and certain art forms are male-dominated domains.
Research and Data
Support research to better understand the barriers and opportunities for women and other young people in the creative industries and collect gender-disaggregated data to track progress and inform policymaking.
Celebrating Successes
Recognize and celebrate achievements of young creators in the creative industries through awards, publications, and other forms of public acknowledgement. This can help inspire and motivate the next generation of women creatives
Do you want to participate?
Contact Us
Are you looking to create a difference in the African creative industry? Join individuals and organisations who are invested in supporting the next generation of African creatives.