Call for applications: Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund

Africa No Filter is a donor collaborative that aims to shift stereotypical and harmful narratives within and about Africa through research, grant making, community building and advocacy by supporting storytellers, investing in media platforms and driving disruption campaigns. It is funded by Bloomberg, Luminate, Comic Relief, the British Council, Ford Foundation, Andrew W Mellon Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Hilton Foundation and Hewlett Foundation.

Named after Nigerian economist and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, the $30 000 fund targets artists and storytellers whose work spotlights entrepreneurship in Africa. The standalone initiative invites performing and visual artists, journalists, filmmakers and content producers to submit multimedia creative ideas that tell the stories of inspiring entrepreneurs.

Over the years, Elumelu has, via the Tony Elumelu Foundation, empowered more than 15 000 young African entrepreneurs across the continent through a $100m commitment.

“This initiative aligns with our belief and extends the work that we do at the Tony Elumelu Foundation,” Elumelu said. “Empowering young creative entrepreneurs and the creative sector provides a channel for us to project Africa’s positives globally. We need their voices to tell our often less-told stories of triumph, resilience, hard work and innovation.”

Africa No Filter executive director Moky Makura said: “Our partnership is significant because this is the first African funding we have received towards the fight for narrative change. We are also excited to be partnering with one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs to celebrate entrepreneurship on the continent through storytelling. We need more success stories, more awareness and more celebrations around entrepreneurial ideas and the dynamic young people driving change here.”

To be eligible for the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund, applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years, living on the continent or in the diaspora. They must also have a platform or portfolio of work that shines the light on entrepreneurship in Africa.

Applications are ongoing here.

The application deadline is 29 July 2022.

All inquiries may be emailed to lerato@africanofilter.org.