LOBAMBA, Eswatini, September 17, 2026 More than 75 EmaSwati from the youth, arts, culture and creative sectors have received training on how to develop competitive funding proposals as the European Union funded creative grants programme opens applications.
The training was provided during a one day Proposal Writing and Application Workshop held at King Sobhuza II Park in Lobamba on Wednesday, September 16.
The workshop brought together representatives from youth organisations, individual artists, creative practitioners and entrepreneurs working in the creative economy. 
It was organised to strengthen the ability of EmaSwati creatives to access local and international funding opportunities. Participants were introduced to funding landscapes, grant writing fundamentals and practical proposal development before working directly on an active funding opportunity.
The afternoon session focused on the Africa Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa, known as AEPC Southern Africa, Grants for Creative and Artistic Practitioners call.
The initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe Institut across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Under the second round, at least 99 creative and artistic practitioners will be selected through 11 Heritage Narrative Clusters. Each successful practitioner will receive a €6,000 grant, which is approximately E112,700 at current exchange rates.
The programme brings together artists from different countries and disciplines to work collaboratively on new narratives around cultural heritage over a six month period.
Two Eswatini projects
Eswatini is among the six participating countries and will host two of the Heritage Narrative Clusters.
One project is being led by the Babukisi Foundation and will bring together nine interdisciplinary artists to reinterpret siSwati cultural heritage through animation, documentary film and visual arts.
“The project will work with cultural custodians, elders, researchers and creatives to produce animated stories around Swazi ceremonies, traditions and values. We will also produce a documentary exploring everyday experiences, knowledge systems and cultural practices that shape Swati identity, as well as a fine-art exhibition featuring 12 paintings and installation pieces inspired by the 12 siSwati month names and their links to environmental knowledge, seasonal cycles and community life,” said Babukisi Foundation Executive Director Thobejane Magagula.
The second Eswatini based project, Folklore Futures, will bring together nine artists working in photography, performance, music and related disciplines to examine contemporary expressions of Swazi life, culture and identity.
The two projects are part of the wider AEPC Southern Africa programme, which seeks to strengthen cultural cooperation within the region and between Southern Africa and Europe while building the capacity of artists and creative practitioners.
EmaSwati already making their mark
The second funding round follows the selection of Eswatini animator Mfanelo Masuku during the first round of the AEPC programme.
Masuku is a self taught animator and creative entrepreneur from Eswatini and founder of Siyakhula Kids’ Habits. His work spans animation, television and children’s content.
He was also selected for the Talents Durban programme at Durban FilmMart 2025 with his animation project Sisonkhe Kids Habits.
The organisers said the programme provides opportunities for EmaSwati creatives to participate in regional and international cultural collaborations while developing work rooted in local heritage.
Lot Kafesu, Project Team Manager for the Southern African Component of AEPC at Goethe Institut South Africa, said the initiative links skills development with practical opportunities for artists and creative practitioners.
“I would like to thank the European Union, who have funded this project that has gotten us here, all together. I would also like to thank the Eswatini National Trust Commission, I would also like to thank Ms Bonisile Ndlangamandla for graciously providing us with a venue to congregate this morning,” said Kafesu.
He also thanked the Eswatini National Trust Commission and Babukisi Foundation for partnering with the Goethe Institut to equip EmaSwati with grant proposal writing skills and promote the open call among artists and creative practitioners.
Applications open until October 5
The current call is open to creative and artistic practitioners from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Applicants can apply to up to three Heritage Narrative Clusters, although each practitioner can only be selected for one cluster.
Successful applicants will take part in a narrative retreat, joint working sessions and online collaboration over six months before presenting their work publicly.
Applications close on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The Lobamba workshop was designed to connect skills development with access to actual funding opportunities, helping EmaSwati creatives move from developing ideas to producing projects that can attract funding.
The organisers are encouraging eligible artists and creative practitioners to submit their applications before the deadline.
