Call for applications: Free Entrepreneurs’ Exhibition Package at ACCES

Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MINIYOUTH), this three-day event presents unmatched opportunities for both aspiring and established music professionals, as well as fans.

In partnership with ESP Rwanda – and through the Mastercard Foundation Grow to Scale programe (G2S) –  ACCES is offering an exceptional opportunity for young Rwandan entrepreneurs in the music industry and related industries to showcase their products and innovations to a diverse global audience during the event. In line with both organisations’ shared vision to promote a spirit of entrepreneurship, selected entrepreneurs will receive a tailored package comprising an exhibition booth (alongside some of the biggest brands in the music industry), a digital promotion package on Music In Africa, networking opportunities, as well as access to masterclasses designed to help entrepreneurs understand the business of music.

ACCES 2024 will host hundreds of music businesses and executives from over 50 countries, a showcase festival featuring over 20 artists, exhibitions, masterclasses, a songwriting camp, and much more.

Who can apply

• Entrepreneurs with products/services that are ready for market.
• Entrepreneurs based in Rwanda.
• All candidates must be available to attend and professionally present their goods or services for two days at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC) on November 14 and 15, 2024.
• All candidates must be able to attend the full masterclasses taking place at KCC on 16 November.

Application process

• To participate, please complete the application form available at https://forms.monday.com/forms/10e350560f71499c6f6891260e8c9b17?r=use1.
• The deadline for submissions is 5 November 2024.

Five entrepreneurs will be selected. Act quickly – spaces is limited!

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2024 is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth and Arts in Rwanda (MINIYOUTH), Siemens Stiftung, the French Institute, Goethe-Institut and Mundi Center. See all our sponsors and partners here.

About ESP

ESP is a consulting firm with a continental footprint whose mission is to provide entrepreneurs in Africa with the keys to sustainable success. ESP is an organisation devoted to identifying, enabling, and supporting entrepreneurs and private sector players to achieve long-term success and create prosperity for Africa. ESP is best defined as “entrepreneurs investing in entrepreneurs”.

Through initiatives like Tourism Inc (Rwanda) Alliance ICC (Côte d’Ivoire) and AFD (West Africa), ESP supported high-potential entrepreneurs in the creative industry in Africa.

The mastercard foundation Grow to Scale Initiative aims to create 44,000 dignified & fulfilling jobs (70% for women) by supporting MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Rwanda’s agriculture, tourism, and creative sectors. Through three key interventions – Ecosystem Development, Business Development Services (BDS), and Access to Finance – the program targets four entrepreneur segments: Futurepreneurs (aspiring entrepreneurs), Gems (micro-enterprises), Bootstrappers (small businesses), and Gazelles (high-growth companies).

In the creative sector (tourism adjacent sectors) specifically, ESP is partnering with organisations like MIAF to support young entrepreneurs through targeted training, market access opportunities, and specialised programs for women. This aligns with the program’s broader mission of fostering sustainable job creation in high-potential sectors, with a particular focus on youth employment and women’s economic empowerment.

www.espartners.co