Open call: ESWACOS creative industries development grants

The initiative aims to provide financial support to creators and rights holders in eSwatini for the development, production and promotion of new copyright works. According to ESWACOS, the fund is intended to strengthen local creative production and contribute to the growth of the country's cultural and creative industries.

Funding available

Successful applicants may receive grants of up to E5,000 per project. ESWACOS said it reserves the right to approve either the full amount requested or a portion of the funding, depending on project assessments and available resources.

Eligible activities

The fund will support a range of creative and professional development activities, including:

• Recording songs, singles or EPs;
• Producing music videos;
• Publishing books and literary works;
• Creating promotional materials for creative projects;
• Marketing and promoting new copyright works;
• Covering digital distribution costs; and
• Professional development activities linked to the creation, production or promotion of copyright works.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be registered ESWACOS members in good standing;
• Be creators, performers, producers, authors, publishers, songwriters, artists or rights holders operating within the copyright and neighbouring rights sector;
• Apply for support for a new work or creative activity;
• Submit a project proposal and budget; and
• Demonstrate how the proposed activity will contribute to the creation, production or promotion of copyright works.

ESWACOS stated that only new works or projects currently under development will be considered. Projects that have already been completed, commercially released, published or fully produced before the application date are not eligible.

Eligible costs

Funding may be used for:

• Studio recording fees;
• Production costs;
• Music video production;
• Editing, mixing and mastering services;
• Book editing, design, printing and publishing support;
• Artwork, photography and design services;
• Digital distribution fees; and
• Marketing, publicity and promotional activities.
• Ineligible Costs

The fund will not cover:

• Projects already commercially released or published;
• Personal expenses unrelated to the project;
• General equipment purchases without direct project justification;
• Debt repayment;
• Activities unrelated to copyright works or creative sector development;
• Applications from non-members or members not in good standing; and
• Late submissions.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form;
• A brief project proposal;
• A detailed project budget;
• A project timeline;
• Samples of previous work, where available; and
• Supporting quotations, invoices or cost estimates where applicable.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Eligibility and membership status;
• Artistic and creative merit;
• Project feasibility;
• Budget clarity and reasonableness;
• Potential impact on the applicant's career;
• Contribution to Eswatini's creative industries; and
• Inclusion of youth, women and underrepresented groups where relevant.

Obligations for successful applicants

Recipients will be required to:

• Use funds solely for approved purposes;
• Complete projects within the agreed timeframe;
• Submit activity and financial reports;
• Provide proof of project completion;
• Acknowledge ESWACOS support where appropriate; and
• Register supported works with ESWACOS where applicable.

Key dates

• Interested artists should apply here before Application deadline: 30 June
• Announcement of recipients: 17 July
• Project completion deadline: 21 August

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by 30 June 2026. ESWACOS noted that late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

For enquiries, applicants can contact ESWACOS via email at documentation@eswacos.org.sz, call 76024199, or visit its offices at Embassy House Building, Gwamile Street, Mbabane.