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Application for the sixth edition of Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Digital Challenge is open.

Project leaders have until February 24, 2023, to submit their applications.

The challenge’s motto reads, “Culture and creativity: the digital way.”

 In this year’s competition, the entrepreneurs who will integrate African culture and creative arts with technology in the most unique and attractive ways will be rewarded. 

The top 10 winning projects will be supported by AFD via an “acceleration pack” combining technical and financial support, worth up to €45,000.

According to the AFD, “Cultural projects can enrich the intellectual and cultural life of communities, contribute to employment, and strengthen social bonds and inclusion.”

AFD believes that cultural projects also make it possible to promote specific themes such as gender equality, climate change awareness and civic engagement. 

“Supporting programs like Creative Africa and Access Culture, creativity and culture for all are among AFD Group’s top priorities.”

The new AFD Digital Challenge is focused on using digital technology to support the cultural and creative industries (CCI), which include the performing arts, publishing, audiovisual, press and music.

The cultural and creative sector can serve as a kind of accelerator for the development of economic opportunities for African youth via digital platforms, which will promote growth and sustainable development.

AFD has been dedicated to supporting African start-ups and digital players, for the last six consecutive years.

Since 2016, 35 entrepreneurs have benefited from financial support and coaching sessions to help them scale up.