Deadline: October 31, 2025
The CAPSI Call for Competition: Young Creatives to Disseminate Research Findings is an exciting opportunity launched by the Centre on African Philanthropy & Social Investment (CAPSI) at the Wits Business School. This unique competition invites talented young creatives from across Africa to translate academic research into engaging, youth-friendly creative content that resonates with audiences continent-wide.
The competition focuses on showcasing the contribution of the nonprofit sector to dignified work for African youth, empowering young people to use their creativity to make research findings accessible, impactful, and relevant.
Purpose of the Competition
The main goal of the CAPSI Call for Competition is to convert and disseminate research findings into creative outputs that effectively communicate key messages to young audiences. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative and culturally resonant methods to bring these findings to life — using storytelling, digital art, or multimedia experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is open to:
- Teams or organisations owned and managed by young people aged 18–35 years.
- Applicants from 17 African countries that were part of CAPSI’s original research project.
- Creatives who can express their ideas in English, French, Portuguese, or Arabic.
Participants can come from North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, or Southern Africa, as the competition seeks representation from all regions across the continent.
Accepted Creative Outputs
The CAPSI Call for Competition encourages applicants to use any creative medium that best conveys their ideas and aligns with the research themes. Acceptable formats include:
- Digital Media – short films, animations, documentaries.
- Visual Arts – infographics, illustrations, photography.
- Performing Arts – spoken word, music videos, dance.
- Interactive Media – podcasts, mobile apps, games, or web storytelling.
- Writing – blogs, short stories, narrative journalism.
These formats provide flexibility for creatives to express the research outcomes in relatable, visually appealing, and emotionally engaging ways.
Prize and Rewards
Winners of the CAPSI Call for Competition will receive generous financial and professional rewards:
- Total Prize per Region: US$32,000 (for four regions – North, West, East, and Southern Africa).
- Payment Structure:
- US$5,000 upon awarding.
- US$27,000 in subsequent instalments tied to project milestones and successful delivery.
In addition to the monetary prize, winners will also benefit from:
- Mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals in the creative and philanthropic sectors.
- Visibility and recognition across CAPSI’s platforms and partner organisations.
- Opportunities to showcase their work at donor and policy forums across Africa.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Call Launched: 19 September 2025
- Original Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Extended Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Winners Announced: 15 November 2025
All submissions must be completed by the new extended deadline of 31 October 2025 to be considered.
Selection and Evaluation Process
The selection process for the CAPSI Call for Competition involves multiple stages:
- Proposal Submission: Applicants submit detailed proposals outlining their creative concept and execution plan.
- Shortlisting: CAPSI reviews all entries and selects the most promising teams based on creativity, feasibility, and alignment with the theme.
- Interviews and Presentations: Shortlisted applicants will present samples of their proposed work to demonstrate capacity, innovation, and storytelling ability.
This structured evaluation ensures that the final winners represent the best of Africa’s creative youth talent.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit their proposals via the official CAPSI application portal.
Ensure your submission includes a clear concept, creative approach, budget breakdown, and proposed impact.
Tips for a Winning Application
To stand out, consider these key points:
- Show readiness: Demonstrate your team’s experience in your chosen creative format.
- Plan clearly: Include realistic timelines and measurable project milestones.
- Be original: Focus on cultural relevance and authenticity in your region.
- Align with the theme: Your concept should reflect how the nonprofit sector contributes to dignified youth work in Africa.
- Use your strongest language: Choose the language (English, French, Portuguese, or Arabic) that best captures your message.
Final Thoughts
The CAPSI Call for Competition: Young Creatives to Disseminate Research Findings is more than a contest — it’s a movement to empower Africa’s youth to use creativity as a tool for social impact. If you’re a passionate young artist, storyteller, or digital innovator, this is your chance to make a mark and turn research into meaningful, accessible content that inspires action across the continent.
Don’t miss this opportunity — submit your proposal before 31 October 2025!
👉 Read more about the programme here
Need help preparing your entry?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
