Create2Thrive Programme Graduation in Tamale: 106 Creatives Empowered Through SoCreative e-Learning
A Milestone for Creative Entrepreneurship in Tamale
On 27th April 2026, Thrive Nest hosted the graduation ceremony for the Create2Thrive Programme at its head office in Tamale. The programme, supported by the British Council under the SoCreative e-Learning Programme, marked a significant step in empowering creatives and early-stage entrepreneurs with practical skills to build and sustain their ventures.
The event brought together 106 participants who successfully completed the training, alongside partners including She360, who joined Thrive Nest for the graduation ceremony.
Strengthening Skills for Sustainable Creative Businesses
The Create2Thrive Programme is part of the wider SoCreative initiative by the British Council, developed in partnership with institutions such as the University of the Arts London and Henley Business School to deliver industry-relevant training in creative entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and policy.
To date, the SoCreative platform has engaged over 45,000 learners across Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality training in the creative economy.
In Ghana, delivery is strengthened through local hub partners including Thrive Nest and She360, ensuring that learning is contextualised and supported through community-based engagement.
The Create2Thrive Programme is built on the British Council’s SoCreative e-Learning model, a free, self-paced digital learning experience designed to support aspiring and early-stage creative entrepreneurs across Africa.
The programme responds directly to key challenges faced by creatives, including limited access to relevant training, financing knowledge, mentorship, and markets, particularly in underserved regions.
The SoCreative programme adopts a hybrid delivery approach, combining digital learning with local facilitation to improve accessibility, engagement, and completion rates. This includes interactive content, gamified learning experiences, and in-person support through partner hubs.
Through a structured curriculum, participants were taken through both foundational and intermediate learning modules covering:
Introduction to creative entrepreneurship and business planning
Marketing, branding, and digital tools for growth
Financial management and sustainability strategies
Intellectual property and business protection
Customer management and business ethics
Growth strategies, pitching, and access to finance
The programme also integrates elements of social impact and sustainability, equipping participants to build businesses that are not only profitable but also socially relevant and environmentally conscious.
Participants reported high satisfaction with the programme, describing the modules as practical, well-structured, and directly applicable to their businesses. Many have already begun implementing what they learned, from refining their business models to actively pitching and expanding their market reach.
A Hybrid Graduation Experience with Global Insight
As part of the graduation experience, participants joined a virtual session featuring a keynote address from the British Council Country Director, Mr. Nii Doodoo Dodoo. The session also included a panel discussion that provided broader perspectives on navigating and sustaining careers within the creative industry.
The virtual session also reflected the programme’s strong institutional and international backing, with notable stakeholders across the creative and development ecosystem engaged in the broader graduation activities.
These included representatives from the British High Commission, Ghana Commission for UNESCO, the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, the Embassy of Malta, the Embassy of Barbados, and the United States State Department.
This hybrid approach connected participants in Tamale to global insights and reinforced the importance of collaboration within the creative ecosystem.
Celebrating Impact and Inclusion
The programme demonstrated strong inclusion outcomes, with 76 female participants and 2 persons with disabilities among the graduates. This reflects a deliberate effort to ensure access to opportunities for diverse groups within the creative and entrepreneurial space.
Beyond participation, the programme delivered tangible impact. Participants left with improved confidence, clearer business direction, and practical tools to strengthen their enterprises.
Recognizing Excellence and Commitment
The graduation ceremony also recognized outstanding participants through the presentation of Citations of Honour. These awards celebrated top-performing learners as well as individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment and discipline throughout the programme.
Certificates of completion were presented to all graduates on behalf of the British Council, marking their successful participation in the SoCreative e-Learning Programme.
Success Stories from the Programme
“The programme has helped me see my work differently. I now understand how to position my creativity as a business and take practical steps to grow it.”— Seimawu Sugri Seidu
“Before this training, I had ideas but not well executed. Now I have the knowledge and confidence to structure my business and reach new markets.”— Florence Anaba
“I have started applying what I learned, especially in branding and marketing. I now approach my business with more clarity”— Seidu Ardil
“The sessions on pitching and financial management changed how I think about my business. I am now more intentional about growth and sustainability.”— Amina Mohammed
These experiences reflect a broader shift among participants, many of whom are already applying their learning to strengthen and grow their ventures.
Reflections from Programme Leadership
“The scale of engagement we are seeing, with over 45,000 learners across the continent demonstrates both the demand and the potential of Africa’s creative economy. What is particularly important is not just access, but outcomes. We are seeing learners translate knowledge into real businesses, jobs, and cultural impact.”— Paul Akrofie, Regional Lead, SoCreative Learning Programme, British Council.
“Create2Thrive is not just about training; it is about building a generation of creatives who can sustain their work, convert their passions to profit, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”— Nana Kyei, Executive Director, Thrive Nest Ghana
“Through this programme, we have seen participants move from ideas to action. The focus on practical skills and real-world application is what makes the impact visible.”— Marvin Selassie, Create2Thrive Project Lead, Thrive Nest Ghana
Looking Ahead
As the demand for digital and creative skills continues to grow, programmes like Create2Thrive play a critical role in preparing individuals for the future of work. Thrive Nest remains committed to expanding access to such opportunities and partnering with stakeholders to drive sustainable impact.
Call to Action
Interested in partnering with Thrive Nest or enrolling in future programmes?
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