Maliyo Games, a game development studio known for building African-inspired games has partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to upskill African talent and advance game development education through artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum.
With Africa’s young, digitally native population driving both consumption and creation, the demand for skilled, AI-literate game developers has never been greater; with the continent’s gaming industry projected to surpass $5 billion by 2030.
As the partnership continues to evolve, both organisations remain focused on scaling impact, deepening learning outcomes, and unlocking new opportunities for African talent in the global gaming industry.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to building and nurturing talent within Africa’s growing gaming ecosystem. By combining structured learning, community, and access to tools, we are creating opportunities for young people to thrive in game development and beyond,” Hugo Obi, CEO, Maliyo Games, said during the meeting with the representatives from Arizona State University, United States, visited Maliyo Games in Lagos, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The visit reinforced a shared commitment to building learning solutions that are both globally relevant and locally impactful. The team also engaged with trainers and learners, and explored expansion opportunities for deeper insight into the local African gaming ecosystem.
According to Obi, the partnership is set to expand over the next few years, aiming to train and certify 10,000 learners across Africa in both AI and game development. “Maliyo Games will support this growth by providing a curriculum, programming and physical hub equipped with infrastructure, tools, as well as an active and thriving community, creating an enabling environment for continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation.”
At the core of the collaboration is a micro-credential framework that enables learners to earn Arizona State University certifications while building practical market ready skills. The credentials are designed to be flexible and stackable, allowing participants to progress at their own pace while staying aligned with global workforce demands.
“The talent we encountered here, the drive and creativity of these developers, confirmed everything we hoped this partnership could deliver. We are looking forward to what comes next.” Mark Olilla, founding director, Endless Games and Learning Lab, Arizona State University, said.
According to Olilla, the partnership marks a new phase in game development in Nigeria and by extension, Africa. “We are genuinely excited to be building it with Maliyo Games and the GameUp Africa community.”
Since its initial rollout in early 2026, the programme has successfully delivered over 150 micro-credentials to the first cohort of GameUp Africa’s graduates, with each learner earning a certificate and badge issued directly by Arizona State University, demonstrating early impact and strong potential for scale.
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