Creative Business Academy for Africa · 2027
Admissions
Registrations are open. The 2027 cohort begins 6 February 2027 — ten months across Music, Film & Fashion where you don't study the industry, you run a company inside it. This is how you apply, what it costs, and how to claim your place.
Who it's for
If you want a real career in the business of African creativity — this is for you.
CBA for Africa isn't for a narrow few. It's for anyone ready to become the business behind the talent. Entry is on passion and commitment — no prior degree is required.
The four people we're built for
Aspiring creative-business professionals
Ambitious young people aged 18–30 who want a seat at the table where the industry is run.
Graduates & career-changers
Ready to move into music, film or fashion — with the skills to lead a company, not just join one.
Creative talent seeking structure
Artists, filmmakers and designers who want the business discipline to turn craft into a career.
Anyone chasing the real career
People who want a genuine future in the business of African creativity — passion and commitment count more than any diploma.
How to apply
Four steps to your place.
A simple, human process. Start online today; we'll take you the rest of the way.
Register online
Create your profile at cbaforafrica.org — it takes only a few minutes to get started.
Complete your application
Tell us your School, your story and why you're ready. Indicate scholarship interest here.
Selection & interview
A short conversation to meet you and confirm the fit. We select on passion and commitment.
Confirm & onboard
Secure your place, get assigned your House, and step into orientation for 6 February 2027.
Key dates
The road to 6 February 2027
Fees & scholarships
Heavily subsidised — and no one is turned away for cost alone.
The fee
₦500,000 / $500
Heavily subsidised by CIIFA and the Creative Talent Foundation. The diaspora / international rate is $500.
Scholarships
The Beneficiaries Fund
Support for talented applicants who couldn't otherwise afford the fee. There is one route in — the CBA Bootcamps. It is the only way to be selected for the Fund.
The CBA Bootcamps
Short, affordable introductory programmes running in November and December. You take the classes and you're scored — the more bootcamps and tests you take, the higher your score, and the higher your chance of selection.
How selection works
When registration closes, selection runs from the highest-scoring participants downward — all the way to the final student the Fund raised can pay for. To be considered for the Fund, you must register for the Bootcamps.
Delivered on weekends over 10 months by CIIFA Limited & the Creative Talent Foundation, Lagos.
Questions
Everything you need to know before you apply.
A few of the most common questions. For the full list — schedule, eligibility, payment plans and more — visit the FAQ.
Do I need a degree to apply?
No. Entry is on passion and commitment — no prior degree is required. We select people ready to build a real career in the business of creativity.
When does the cohort begin?
The 2027 cohort begins on 6 February 2027 and runs for ten months. Classes are delivered on weekends.
How much does it cost?
The heavily subsidised fee is ₦500,000 (or $500 for diaspora / international students). Scholarships are available through the Beneficiaries Fund — selected via the CBA Bootcamps (Nov & Dec), scored top-down.
Who runs the programme?
CBA for Africa is delivered by CIIFA Limited and the Creative Talent Foundation in Lagos, across the Schools of Music, Film and Fashion.
Your place is waiting
Apply for the 2027 cohort.
Registrations are open and places are limited. Ten months that change your career start with one form.