On August 27, 2026, Africalia, the Hiba Foundation, and the French Institute, with the support of the European Union, announced the launch of the first call for applications for the Iqlaa program.
Iqlaa is a new accelerator dedicated to Moroccan cultural and creative businesses. This first call for applications will select approximately 20 businesses to join the program’s inaugural edition.
The initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of young cultural entrepreneurs, support the growth of their businesses, and help them scale up.
The program will run for three editions until the end of 2029. During its first edition, it will support around 20 businesses in developing their activities and implementing growth projects through targeted support and financial assistance tailored to their needs.
The call is open to cultural and creative industry businesses led by entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, based in Morocco, and seeking to accelerate their development and scale up.
Eligible sectors include: animation, video games, and multimedia; crafts and creative arts; performing arts; visual arts; broadcasting and distribution (including television, radio, and platforms); cinema and audiovisual production; events and festivals; books and publishing; fashion and design; music and the music industry; heritage, cultural tourism, architecture, and gastronomy; press and media; and advertising and marketing.
The Iqlaa program is structured around three successive stages: Integration, Strengthening, and Momentum. These stages are designed to support cultural and creative businesses at each phase of their growth.
The first two phases focus on strengthening the business model, while the third aims to help businesses scale up through investment and export readiness.
The program will also provide seed grants ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 dirhams and growth grants of up to 450,000 dirhams. This funding will support business growth and help strengthen their long-term presence within Morocco’s cultural and creative ecosystem.
Participants will also benefit from targeted training, business coaching, peer-to-peer meetings, access to Morocco’s cultural and creative ecosystem, and funding to implement their growth projects.
Applications are open until September 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
An online information session will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at noon local time. In-person sessions will also be organized, with dates and locations to be announced later.
