Digital Lab Africa (DLA), a springboard and incubation platform for African creatives in digital content, has announced the 10 winning projects of this year’s edition of the DLA accelerator programme. Initiated by theEmbassy of France and French Institute in South Africa (IFAS), DLA is managed by the South African technology hub Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

From among 500 applications from over 30 sub-Saharan countries, 10 creatives from countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mali and Ghana were selected. These individuals stood out in the selectioncommittee interviews based on their talent, creativity and ability to motivate their ideas. 

Each of the 10 winners receive a R42,000 cash prize and a tailored-made incubation programme to accelerate their project development. This includes mentorship by French & sub-Saharan creative industries experts, a residence period in France within a digital cluster/hub, and participation at industry events in France and/or in sub-Saharan African region.

Furthermore, following a period of public online voting, the DLA Audience Award has been awarded to Justus Macharia from Kenya for his work titled BABA. With 501 votes out of 3329 in total, Macharia’s prize includes an invitation to one of the DLA industry events in France or in Sub-Saharan Africa.

WINNERS BY CATEGORY

ANIMATION

RINGA MZANSI by Lwazi Msipha (South Africa)
UZI by Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch-Olunya (Kenya)

WEB CREATION
[digilabafrica.com/2019/03/27/cartographie-des-regions-musicales-du-mali/]CARTOGRAPHIE DES RÉGIONS MUSICALES DU MALI by Tiécoura N’Daou (Mali)

RE/MEMBER YOUR DESCENDANTS by Xabiso Vili (South Africa)

DIGITAL MUSIC

SWAGGIFY by Marvin Madyara (Zimbabwe)
SUNKAMBE by Shaka Ramulifho (South Africa)

VIRTUAL REALITY
TRVLR by Komborerai Chapfika (Zimbabwe)
THE AFROCYBORG VR FILM COLLECTIVE by Shmerah Passchier & The Afrocyborg Collective (South Africa)

VIDEO GAME

MANCALA PLUS by Setriakor Nyomi (Ghana)

PRECIOUS CARGO by Simone Beneke-Graham, Shannon Bennetts, Rowan Brough & Niall Graham (South Africa)