The timbuktoo Creative Hub has officially launched in Cape Town’s District Six, offerering a first-of-its-kind facility in Africa.
The hub provides free co-working spaces, expert mentorship, and technology support.
Local and pan-African artists, designers, musicians, and storytellers are now invited to collaborate and grow their businesses at the space at no cost.
“Creative industries are a major driver of economic growth, yet African creatives often lack access to the resources, networks and funding needed to scale their businesses,” said Head of Entrepreneur Development at UVU Accelerate, Lara Rosmarin.
“We’re inviting Cape Town’s creative community to come and experience the facilities and support we’ve developed specifically for them.”
Where is it?
Housed in the historic Homecoming Centre (formerly the Athol Fugard Theatre in the CBD), timbuktoo is a purpose-built facility offering free co-working spaces, unlimited WiFi, and access to industry-specific support in areas like animation, fashion, textile technology, music, and augmented/virtual reality.
The initiative is powered by a major partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), UVU Africa, Snake Nation, and the Craft and Design Institute.
Together, they aim to unlock new potential within South Africa’s fast-growing creative economy.
On top of free co-working spaces and uncapped WiFi, the hub offers:
- Free, hands-on mentorship from resident entrepreneurs
- Technology support
- Digital upskilling
- Industry-specific support, particularly in creative tech
- Access to the broader accelerator network
- Free spaces for creators to host community events
Turning side hustles into sustainable businesses
The Cape Town project forms part of timbuktoo, a continent-wide innovation drive led by the UNDP to support African startups. And the response has been strong – over 280 applicants have already expressed interest in the hub’s Creative Accelerator programme.
“Every groundbreaking venture starts with an audacious idea and the courage to nurture it,” added Maxwell Gomera, UNDP South Africa Resident Representative and Director of the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub.
“Through the timbuktoo Creative Hub, we’re not just incubating businesses, we’re cultivating a generation of creative entrepreneurs who understand that Africa’s stories, innovations and cultural expression aren’t just our heritage, they’re our competitive advantage.”
Are you interested in securing a co-working space in Cape Town? Contact the centre by emailing connect@uvuaccelerate.com, or calling 021 466 7200.
How else can Cape Town support local entrepreneurs?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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