The Learnstar Creator Award is available for any African creator working on a tangible project. It is judged by faculty and industry professionals, offering a prize of ₦1,000,000. The application closes on December 15, 2026, with the winner being announced live on February 20.
Application Deadline:
- 15 December 2026 (Semifinalists announced 8–10 December; Finalists narrowed to 4–5 in January; Winner announced live on stage on 20 February 2027).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Learnstar Creator Award is a flagship initiative presented at the Learnstar Creative Summit (LCS) to empower and elevate African creators who are building impactful, innovative, and original projects. Evaluated by a panel of Learnstar faculty and prominent industry leaders, the award provides substantial financial backing, expert mentorship, and high-visibility stage exposure to accelerate the winner’s creative career and vision.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Open across all digital media, content creation, creative arts, media production, and innovation sectors.
Type:
Creative Innovation Grant, Mentorship Award & Live Pitch Competition
Who can Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to any African content creator, digital innovator, or builder actively creating original projects.
- Cost: Completely free to enter with zero charges at any stage of the application or evaluation process.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Initial Review: A panel of Learnstar faculty and industry judges reviews all submitted applications and nominations.
- Semifinalist Announcement: Selected semifinalists are revealed in December 2026.
- Finalist Pitch: The field is narrowed down to 4–5 finalists in January 2027, who pitch live on stage at the summit.
- Final Judging: The winner is selected and announced live on stage during the Summit on 20 February 2027.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
African countries (Open to creators across the African continent).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Virtual submission and live pitch/presentation stage at the Learnstar Creative Summit (LCS).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
1 Grand Winner (alongside 4–5 selected live pitch finalists).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Award: ₦1,000,000 cash grant.
- Professional Mentorship: Direct mentorship from distinguished Learnstar faculty members.
- Stage Exposure: A featured presentation slot on the main stage at the Learnstar Creative Summit (LCS).
How Long Will it Last:
Summit pitch event cycle concluding with live stage announcements on 20 February 2027, followed by post-summit mentorship.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official Learnstar Creator Award portal.
- Complete the free online application or nominate an eligible creator before the submission deadline.
- Submit all required details and documentation regarding your creative project prior to 15 December 2026.
