Something powerful is beginning.
On June 30, 2025, the second cohort of the Incubator Program will officially kick off. It begins with a one-week in-person residency and continues with virtual classes designed to nurture courageous, inclusive, and impactful storytelling.
This year, Joy, Inc. is proud to once again partner with CcHub Creative and Entertainment & Media Hubs to shape a space for creators who are not just chasing visibility but meaning. Creators who are telling stories that reflect our realities, challenge our assumptions, and imagine something better.
But before this new chapter begins, let us take you back.
When we opened applications for this cohort, we didn’t just ask for portfolios. We asked for heart. We asked for clarity. We asked for stories that mattered.
And the response was overwhelming, not just in numbers but in depth. Hundreds of creatives across the continent showed up with honesty, vulnerability, and vision.
From that pool, we invited shortlisted applicants to take part in a two-day gender-equitable storytelling course. This wasn’t just about training. It was a moment of collective reflection, a chance to examine how we tell stories, who gets to tell them, and how we can all do better.
Then came the interviews. Long conversations. Deep listening. Because this program is not about performance. It is about potential. We wanted to be sure that the voices we are supporting are ready, not just to create, but to lead, to build, and to shift narratives.
And now, here we are.
The Incubator Program officially begins June 30. Over the next few weeks, these selected creators will dive into workshops, mentorships, and collaborative sessions. They will build ideas, refine their craft, and strengthen the muscles that every storyteller needs.
Last year’s program created magic. This year, the stakes are even higher. The vision is even clearer. The work is even more urgent.
To everyone who applied, thank you. You reminded us that storytelling in Africa is alive and thriving. You reminded us that people are still creating from places of depth and truth. From joy. From grief. From experience. From purpose.
The application window may be closed, but something larger has opened. A renewed commitment to telling stories that shape culture.
This is just the beginning.
We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.
