The initiative is aimed at founders operating in the music, film and media, design, and creative technology sectors, providing them with financial support, mentorship, investor readiness training, strategic partnerships and access to networks that can help scale their businesses.
According to a statement issued by the company, the accelerator programme forms part of the $1 million Founders Fund Africa, which was unveiled during Chocolate City Group's 20th anniversary celebration in October 2025.
The fund was officially launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and is being implemented in partnership with Argentil Capital Management Limited and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub).
As part of the inaugural cohort, 10 high-potential startups will be selected for an intensive accelerator programme designed to strengthen their business models, improve their investment readiness and connect them with investors, experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Speaking on the commencement of applications, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori, said the initiative was established to bridge the funding and support gap confronting many entrepreneurs within Africa's rapidly growing creative sector.
He said, "Founders Fund Africa was created to unlock opportunities for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. Across Africa, we're seeing founders build innovative businesses that are redefining music, film, design and technology, yet many still struggle to access the support they need to scale."
Maikori noted that the programme is seeking founders with innovative ideas, proven execution capacity and the ambition to build sustainable businesses capable of transforming Africa's creative economy.
He added that the accelerator is intended to provide not only funding but also the strategic support required to help creative enterprises achieve long-term growth and competitiveness.
Also speaking, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Chocolate City Group, Paul Okeugo, said the initiative draws from the company's own journey of building one of Africa's leading independent entertainment companies.
According to him, "It takes the right guidance, meaningful partnerships and people who believe in your vision. Founders Fund Africa is about giving creative founders access to that support so they can build businesses that endure."
Okeugo stressed that beyond capital, founders require mentorship, industry connections and practical business guidance to successfully scale their ventures in an increasingly competitive creative landscape.
The Managing Partner of Argentil Capital Management Limited, Gbenga Hassan, described Africa's creative economy as one of the continent's emerging investment frontiers, noting that investors are paying increasing attention to businesses with strong growth prospects.
He explained that the accelerator would prioritise startups with scalable business models, sound operational fundamentals and the potential to generate sustainable economic value while contributing to the growth of Africa's creative industries.
Chocolate City Group said applications are open to startups operating within music, film and media, design, and creative technology. Prospective participants will be evaluated based on innovation, market opportunity, execution capability, business sustainability and long-term growth potential.
Applications for the inaugural accelerator programme will close on August 28, 2026, with interested founders expected to submit their entries through the Founders Fund Africa application portal.