Programme « Connect & Create Relay » 2026

Connect & Create is the Sub‑Saharan Africa component of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, funded by the European Union and led by the Goethe‑Institut, Expertise France and the Institut français. The Relay Scheme selects 16 participants (Relays) across 12 African countries to work on Creative Tandem projects in their own country. Over 11 months, Relays receive collective training (10 thematic online sessions), individual mentoring, a training certificate and access to a peer network spanning the programme’s ecosystem. An allowance is provided to cover communication activities related to the supported project. Applicants must be 18 or older, have 2–5 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, media or content creation, demonstrate a strong interest in performing arts and music, maintain an active local audience, and be fluent in French or English. Eligible countries are South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Senegal. The application period runs from 15 September to 13 October 2026, after which a two‑stage selection process (profile pre‑selection and project‑linked proposal) determines the 16 Relays. The programme starts in late January / early February 2027.

11‑month training programme; collective online sessions; individual mentoring; training certificate; peer network; allowance for communication activities

Age 18+; 2–5 years professional experience in communications, journalism, media or content creation; fluency in French or English; residence in one of 12 listed Sub‑Saharan African countries; interest in performing arts, music and cultural industries; active local audience