Are you an emerging artist or storyteller on the pulse of entrepreneurship in Africa? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund


“Young entrepreneurs and those they inspire are the lifeblood of Africa’s rise”  - Tony Elumelu 

Celebrating and sharing stories of entrepreneurs comes in many forms; a photo, drawing or painting of an inspirational figure can tell a thousand stories and transcend a thousand languages. 

Just like a great entrepreneur takes an idea and turns it into a profitable business, a great artist finds a muse and turns it into something relatable, intriguing, and timeless - Africa No Filter wants to support you to create this work.

The Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund calls for applications from emerging artists, journalists and content creators including bloggers, vloggers, and podcasters whose work offers a more contemporary and authentic narrative of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in Africa.  

The Fund will award grants worth between $500 and $2000 to each selected participant. 

Named after patron, African business leader and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, the project is jointly funded by Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life Assurance.

Eligibility

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years and living on the continent or in the Diaspora. They must have a platform or portfolio of work that shifts stereotypical narratives about youth and entrepreneurship in Africa.

    Applications from East, Southern, North and Central Africa will be prioritized.

    Do you have questions about The Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund? See Frequently Asked Questions below.

    FAQ

    We're particularly keen on supporting storytellers telling an interesting, unique story about Entrepreneurship in Africa; stories amplify unheard voices, challenge global perspectives and introduce contemporary narratives. The Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund allows for lots of creativity and innovation – think about what you want your reader or viewer to take away from this work and the type of impact you want to create, locally and globally.

    This Fund is awarded to content creators in two categories, Media and Arts.

    Media includes Bloggers, Vloggers and Journalists. Examples of projects: A series of published articles identifying innovative tech entrepreneurs, a vlog that showcases entrepreneurs in underrepresented areas, a blog that shines the light on new African innovation.

    Arts grants will be made to photographers, filmmakers, sketch artists, painters, and digital artists. Examples of projects: A lighthearted, comedic short film telling the story of an 11-year old budding entrepreneur, a photography series of Africa’s Top entrepreneurs etc.

    Absolutely. All recipients of this fund will have their work presented to Mr Elumelu and the Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life team. They will also be involved in the selection process.

    Application status

    All applicants will be contacted by 31 August 2022.

    All recipients of the Tony Elumelu Fund must complete their projects by October 2022.

    The Storytellers Fund is designed to support emerging storytellers who may not have a long track record or an extensive portfolio. However, our panellists will need some evidence to produce the proposed project in your application. For example, if you are a photographer, you should have some samples of your photography work – this should not be your first-time taking photos.

    This grant opportunity is open to Africans living on the continent and Africans in the Diaspora.

    No, you do not all have to apply. Please note that as the applicant, you are responsible for the success and the completion of the work.

    We ask that all candidates apply only once, using their best idea to apply.

    All applicants will be contacted by 31 August 2022.

    The maximum amount for the Storytellers Fund is $2,000. We have more call-outs for grants of up to $25,000. Sign up for our newsletter to know about our various opportunities.

    About the sponsors:

    Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life are the insurance subsidiaries of Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment group with a portfolio spread across 20 African countries and three continents. They are leading the digital insurance game in Nigeria and are on a mission to democratize access to insurance.

    By supporting this project, the two insurance companies are fulfilling their mission to improve lives and transform the continent, while unlocking the potential of our African youth to change the narrative of Africa.