Ewa launches deal room grant pool to put more capital behind africa’s creative businesses

Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) is launching a new Deal Room Grant Pool as part of its 2026 edition to provide financial support to exceptional creative businesses. This initiative aims to help creative businesses in Africa progress from a promising idea or early-stage venture to a position capable of attracting capital, partnerships, and commercial backing for growth.

The grant pool was unveiled at the EWA Deal Room Alumni Meetup in Lagos on October 7, 2025, bringing together previous participants. The Deal Room has evolved to focus on more than just investor pitches; it offers mentorship, investor access, and opportunities to enhance commercial readiness. In 2025, 178+ company applications were shortlisted, with nine advancing to the accelerator stage and four garnering live investor interest.

These businesses included Aktivate, Atsur, FriendnPal, Growwr, Prop'ly, and Sports Reels, supported by Future Africa, Catalyst Fund, and Consonance Invest.

EWA alumni have shared positive results from their involvement, such as Bukunola Bolajoko of 1101 Technologies and Tele Lawal of Kouture Paraisé, who highlighted the programme's impact on expanding their brand internationally and securing new partnerships. For the 2026 grant pool, participating businesses will collaborate with mentors throughout the process, with a jury evaluating them based on a specific set of criteria.

Standout companies will then be selected for funding, which will be distributed during the EWA 2026 event in November.

This new funding mechanism is part of EWA's broader strategy to bolster the commercial infrastructure supporting Africa's creative economy. In addition to the Deal Room, the 2026 programme also includes the Content Market, Music Market, Sync & Licensing Desk, Rights & IP Desk, Distribution Desk, Pitch Rooms, and other industry-focused platforms designed to connect creative businesses with buyers, investors, brands, and markets.

EWA 2026 will be held in Lagos from November 17–22, under the theme “Closing the Gap,” emphasizing the need to strengthen connections between African creative talent, capital, markets, and commercial opportunities.