The African gaming industry is on the rise, thanks to a range of programs and initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent and supporting the next generation of game developers. These efforts are crucial in addressing the talent gap and fostering a vibrant gaming ecosystem across the continent.
In recent years, Africa has seen a surge in interest from global tech giants, local studios, and educational institutions, all aiming to cultivate a new generation of game developers. Despite being limited by a lack of resources and training opportunities, Africa’s games industry is now being revitalised by a range of programs and initiatives designed to equip aspiring developers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
By investing in education and training, these initiatives are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the broader economic and cultural development of their communities. We’ve put together some of the active programs and the initiatives being set by some of the region’s leading developers and publishers to nurture new talents in the region.
Developer insights on recruiting local talent
Africa’s leading game publishers Carry1st have adopted an Africa-first hiring policy and continue to nurture local expertise through accelerator programs and incubators. They have partnered with companies like CrazyLabs for initiatives like the CrazyHubs accelerator in Cape Town. Their community, Carry1st’s Tribe, has over 450k members, hosting numerous tournaments and events, including university chapters that connect students to the gaming community.
Egypt-based An Games Studio emphasises on community collaboration by helping other studios announce job opportunities and recommending talent through CVs and portfolios. They also republish vacancies locally and internationally, encouraging talents to share their work. FitNot, another mobile games company headquartered in Egypt, believes in the concept that a rising tide lifts all boats, and is actively supporting the local community’s growth through mentorship, internships, courses, and continues to prioritise hiring local junior talent.
Then we have Leti Arts, one of the biggest and longest players in Africa who are deeply committed to nurturing local talent via internships, training programs, and collaborations with educational institutions. They run workshops, participate in local events, and provide mentorship to aspiring developers, ensuring a steady flow of nurtured talent into their teams.
After recognizing the talent gap in Africa when it comes to game development, Nigeria’s Deluxe Creation Studios has since been nurturing local talent through tutorials and real project work. Many team members were trained and guided by the founder Edu Shola, who continues to support those who have moved on to other opportunities.
Algeria’s Jana Games Studio fosters its part in nurturing local talent by involving players and aspiring developers in workshops, meetups, and community engagement, creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives. Their initiative is similar to that of Nigeria-based Dash Studios who train interns and host competitions to create awareness and engage with aspiring developers. And lastly, hailing from Morocco is CN Studios, whose team members are all based in the North African nation. The company emphasises the local talent’s strength and provides opportunities for skill development and promising career paths.
Training programs and initiatives
Google GameUp Africa: This annual online training program takes participants from zero skills to building games for Android and the Google Play Store. Google, in partnership with Maliyo Games, aims to develop, refine, and package games through a progressive learning curve.
Xbox GameCamp: Founded on the belief that extraordinary talent resides everywhere, Xbox Game Studios Game Camp enables people from traditionally marginalised communities to realise their potential in the games industry.
Africacomicade: The Gamathon is one of Africa’s biggest events for people involved in video games, digital art, and extended reality (AR/VR). It’s a mix of online and in-person activities where creators can show off their work, connect with each other, and find opportunities to collaborate or get funding. They offer workshops, talks, panels, competitions, exhibitions, and even a game jam to bring the African interactive and immersive media industry together.
Maliyo Summer Game Jam: The company’s Summer Game Jam is focused on bringing together game designers, developers, artists, and creators to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their talents in a 1-week sprint of creativity and game development. Participants can collaborate and network with passionate game developers across the continent, gaining exposure for their skills and projects.
Black Game Developer Fund: Initiated by Humble Games, this fund empowers Black game developers to move their compelling game visions forward, offering financial support to take projects to the next level.
Digital Labs Africa: Launched in 2016 by the French Institute and French Embassy in South Africa, it’s been managed by Tshimologong, a South African innovation hub focused on digital pursuits since 2018 and is dedicated to creative content linked with innovation in Africa, supporting video game development, animation, music, and digital art.
The role of bootcamps, partnerships and recommendations
Africa’s gaming industry is indeed taking off, but equipping future developers requires innovative solutions. Flexible learning options like coding bootcamps and online platforms offer crucial skills to aspiring developers who might not have access to traditional schooling, fostering a more inclusive and talented workforce.
Collaboration between universities and game studios can also bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering real-world projects and mentorship. However, limited resources and a lack of experienced instructors pose challenges. As we’ve previously written about, investments in infrastructure, educational tools, and fostering a collaborative learning community are essential to overcome these hurdles and unlock Africa’s full potential as a powerhouse in the global gaming industry.
