Unpublished Africa Launches Creative Business Studio Cohort 4 to Equip African Visual Storytellers with Business Skills for Sustainable Careers
- Unpublished Africa
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harare, Zimbabwe — 15 June 2025
Unpublished Africa, a social impact organization supporting African visual storytellers, has opened applications for Creative Business Studio Cohort 4. The flagship program bridges the gap between artistic talent and business skills, enabling creatives across the continent to build sustainable and profitable careers.
Closing the Gap Between Creativity and Business
“The journey from passionate creative to thriving entrepreneur often lacks clear pathways, especially when it comes to the business side of creativity,” says Anesu Chikumba, Founder of Unpublished Africa.
Born from this realization, the Creative Business Studio equips participants with practical tools to navigate the African creative economy. The program combines expert mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities across the continent.
What the Program Offers
Format: Hybrid / Virtual
Workshops: Brand strategy, digital marketing, finance, legal essentials
Mentorship: Guidance from industry experts
Networking: Access to a pan-African creative community
Past cohorts have enabled participants to achieve milestone “firsts” such as:
Hosting inaugural exhibitions
Publishing creative work
Becoming mentors and speakers
Securing international fellowships
The program directly supports:
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Impact So Far
Since 2022, Creative Business Studio has run three successful cohorts, impacting 38 participants from over 15 African countries. Alumni have advanced their own careers while also contributing back as mentors, community leaders, and creative event organizers.
“We’ve seen firsthand how access to business skills and early opportunities transforms creative careers,” adds Chikumba. “Alumni of this program have gone on to exhibit internationally, secure fellowships, and strengthen local creative communities.”
Application Details
Program Dates: 7 July 2025 – 14 August 2025
Application Deadline: 25 June 2025
Eligibility: Photographers, visual storytellers, and founders of creative organizations across Africa
About Unpublished Africa
Unpublished Africa empowers African visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between artistic talent and business knowledge. Through training programs, exhibitions, publishing, and advocacy, the organization supports creatives in transforming their passion into sustainable careers.
Operating in 25+ African countries, Unpublished Africa fosters representation, equity, and long-term growth in the African creative economy.
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