Creative Business Academy for Africa Launches 2026 “Ecosystem Template” to Scale Music, Film and Fashion Talent

Creative Business Academy for Africa launches its 2026 “IMPACT: Ecosystem Template” programme, expanding into music, film and fashion to incubate Africa’s next generation of creative-industry professionals (image source)

Harare — The Creative Business Academy for Africa (CBAfA), formerly the Music Business Academy for Africa, has unveiled its 2026 programme under the theme “IMPACT: An Ecosystem Template,” signalling a strategic expansion beyond music into film and fashion to accelerate the continent’s creative economy. The Academy’s 2026 cohort will operate as a real-world business incubator, equipping participants with practical skills, industry networks and entrepreneurial experience across four integrated streams: Music Business, Film for Music, Fashion in Music and Talent Development.

Operating under the Creative Talent Foundation, the Academy says the new model transforms classroom learning into a simulated industry environment where students assume defined roles within cross-sector creative companies. Over the course of the year, participants will collaborate to produce marketable outputs including EP projects, a student magazine, a podcast series and a live concert — providing tangible proof of concept and portfolio assets for emerging professionals.

Godwin Tom, Founder of CBAfA and Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Africa, framed the expansion as a maturation of the Academy’s mission. “Our original goal was to build a skilled workforce, but I’ve realised our purpose runs deeper. We are here to shape individuals with character, vision, network and competence who can truly transform Africa,” he said. The curriculum, developed with input from Professor Carlos Chirinos of New York University’s Music Business Programme, comprises 14 modules and more than 100 contact hours, delivered through an app-based learning management system, virtual sessions and an active WhatsApp community to ensure accessibility nationwide.

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Since its inception, CBAfA has trained over 1,500 alumni, many of whom now hold roles at major labels and publishing houses or run successful enterprises in publishing, management and PR. The 2026 edition aims to build on that track record by deepening cross-disciplinary collaboration and creating commercially viable ventures that can scale.

Registration for the 2026 cohort is open until 27 February 2026, with the programme commencing on 7 February and culminating in graduation in November 2026. A songwriting, production and artist-development camp is scheduled for April–May. Prospective students can register via the online form or contact the Zimbabwe country partner, Tamuka Chigeda, for guidance. CBAfA is calling on corporates, NGOs and philanthropic partners to sponsor places through its Beneficiaries Fund. Organisers say sponsorships will broaden access for talented but financially constrained candidates and help build the infrastructure of Africa’s creative industries.

How to Join:

For Students: Register via the online form or contact the Zimbabwe partner to secure a place in the 2026 cohort.

For Sponsors/Partners: Reach out to support the Beneficiaries Fund and align with African creative-industry development.

Media Contact:

Tamuka Chigeda

Country Partner, Zimbabwe

devanepr@gmail.com

+263 71 933 8263