They came with ideas. They left with stories that stuck. Here’s what the first cohort taught us all.
When we announced StoryXLab Cohort 1, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We knew African creatives were hungry for this kind of space- somewhere to develop their craft, find community, and build the skills to tell their stories with intention. What we didn’t anticipate was how quickly that hunger would show up in the work.
This is a look back at what happened- and why we’re ready to go again.
What StoryXLab Cohort 1 Was
StoryXLab is Mswitch Creative Hub’s cohort-based storytelling development program, designed for emerging African storytellers. Cohort 1 brought together a curated group of creatives across different fields — and ran them through a 12 week virtual intensive, community-led program.
In this cohort, real creative work happened, guided by practitioners who’ve navigated the African creative economy and come out building.
Who Was in the Room
Cohort 1 attracted storytellers at different stages — some just starting out, some mid-career and looking to sharpen their practice. What they shared was a commitment to doing the work seriously. Writers, content creators, public health practioners, podcasters, and communicators all under one roof, building together over several weeks.
What the Cohort Built
By the end of Cohort 1, participants left with completed creative projects- not just ideas. They built stronger frameworks for how to approach storytelling in their specific disciplines. They forged connections with other creatives in Abuja and beyond. And they left as part of the Switchers community — a network that extends well past the program end date.
Some are already working on bigger projects. Some are turning what they built during the cohort into professional opportunities, Jesulayomi that uses the storytelling skills learned to improve her research papers and presentations. Some just came away knowing, for the first time, that they had a community behind them.
What We Learned
Running Cohort 1 confirmed something we had long believed: infrastructure is important. Not just physical infrastructure- though our studios, training rooms, and editing suite played a huge role — but the infrastructure of community, mentorship, and structured creative practice.
African storytellers are not lacking in talent or ideas. What’s often missing is a space that takes that talent seriously. StoryXLab was designed to be that space. Cohort 1 showed us it is.
We also learned what to build on. The feedback from Cohort 1 participants shaped how we’ve designed Cohort 2 — which is why this next phase looks a little different.
What’s Next: Cohort 2 — Storytelling for Entrepreneurs
Cohort 2 of StoryXLab is themed Storytelling for Entrepreneurs. We’re opening the program to aspiring entrepreneurs, founders, and creative professionals who want to communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence — whether that’s to investors, clients, partners, or communities.
It’s still the same Mswitch DNA: hands-on, community-led, practitioner-guided. But with a sharper focus on the intersection of storytelling and entrepreneurship — a space where African founders often feel least equipped.
Applications open soon. 30 spots only. If you were inspired by what Cohort 1 achieved, Cohort 2 is your room.
Ready to be part of the next chapter? Applications for StoryXLab Cohort 2 — Storytelling for Entrepreneurs are open now. 30 spots. June 15 start. Mswitch Creative Hub, Abuja.
👉 Join the exclusive waitlist here: https://mswitch-hub.africa/storyxlab/
Questions? Reach us at programs@mswitch-hub.africa or DM us on Instagram @mswitch_hub.
