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Nigeria-based game studio Maliyo Games has entered into a strategic partnership with Arizona State University to train and certify up to 10,000 developers across Africa in artificial intelligence and game development.
The collaboration, announced in a statement on Friday, followed a recent visit by representatives of the US institution to Lagos. It reflects a growing alignment between global academic institutions and African technology firms seeking to build industry-ready talent and expand digital capacity on the continent.
According to the partners, the initiative is already gaining traction. More than 150 micro-credentials have been issued to the first cohort of graduates under the GameUp Africa programme since its rollout in early 2026. Participants received certificates and digital badges issued directly by Arizona State University, signalling international recognition of their skills.
During the Lagos visit, officials of Arizona State University engaged with trainers and participants, toured Maliyo Games’ facilities, and explored opportunities to expand the programme. Both organisations are targeting the development of a strong pipeline of globally competitive talent rooted in local ecosystems.
The Founding Director of the Endless Games and Learning Lab at Arizona State University, Mark Ollila, described the partnership as a significant step forward for game development education.
“This marks a new phase in game development, and we are genuinely excited to be building it with Maliyo Games and the GameUp Africa community,” he said, noting the quality and creativity of local developers as a driving force behind the collaboration.
The programme will be delivered through Maliyo’s GameUp Africa initiative in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Endless Games and Learning Lab. It combines practical, hands-on training with a micro-credential framework that enables participants to earn globally recognised certifications.
At the core of the initiative is a flexible, stackable credential system designed to equip learners with market-relevant skills in artificial intelligence and game development. The structure allows participants to progress at their own pace while aligning with evolving global workforce demands.
Chief Executive Officer of Maliyo Games, Hugo Obi, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s position in the global digital economy.
“By combining structured learning, community, and access to tools, we are creating opportunities for young people to thrive in game development and beyond,” he said.
Participants say the programme offers exposure to real-world production environments and cross-border collaboration. A 2025 participant, Ibrahim Karl, said working with multidisciplinary teams across Africa was central to the experience.
The teams collaborated on live service features and published games, with participants earning certifications from Arizona State University upon completion.
The partners said the programme will be scaled in the coming years to meet its 10,000-developer target. Maliyo Games is expected to provide curriculum, infrastructure, and community support to sustain learning and innovation.
The initiative highlights a broader shift among African tech players towards building local capacity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while reducing dependence on imported digital expertise and retaining greater value within the continent.
