In a week that was already buzzing with innovation, creativity, and cross-continental collaboration, Maliyo Games proudly participated in the 2nd Forum Création Africa, held in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 18–20, 2025.
The event brought together some of the most forward-thinking minds in virtual reality, digital fashion, sound design, and interactive media, with a mission to spotlight Africa’s growing influence in the global creative economy. For us at Maliyo, it was another opportunity to champion African storytelling through games and showcase Safari City, our flagship mobile title that continues to inspire players across the continent.
A Space for Creatives, Innovators, and Game-Makers
Création Africa served as a dynamic meeting point for African and French professionals working at the intersection of creativity and technology. The three-day forum featured workshops, exhibitions, and pitching sessions for developers and creators pushing the boundaries of African innovation.
The first two days were dedicated to professional networking, pitching sessions and industry showcases, where gaming studios, artists, and XR pioneers presented their projects. The final day opened to the public, giving everyday fans and enthusiasts a chance to experience the next wave of African creativity firsthand.
Maliyo Games stood out as one of the few gaming studios present — and one of the most vibrant. Our booth became a hub for interaction, laughter, and cultural connection. Equipped with two desktop setups and large-screen tablets, we gave visitors a chance to explore the vibrant world of Safari City in full display.
Celebrating African Excellence in Gaming
Throughout the event, our team connected with gaming professionals, developers, and enthusiasts curious about what it means to build games that reflect African identity. Visitors were drawn in by Safari City’s colourful art style, humour, and relatable storytelling, proving once again that African narratives can captivate audiences beyond borders.
One of the standout moments came when the French minister publicly recognised Maliyo Games and our founder, Hugo Obi, for his contributions to the African mobile gaming industry. This acknowledgment not only reflected the respect Maliyo has earned globally, but also highlighted how African creativity is being noticed and celebrated on international stages.
Lessons and Highlights
While Création Africa wasn’t a traditional gaming convention, it provided valuable insights into the growing intersection between tech, art, and storytelling.
🔹 Professional Visibility: The event helped elevate Maliyo’s reputation within both African and European creative circles.
🔹 Broader Engagement: Hosting Safari City on larger screens allowed for deeper, more immersive player experiences.
🔹 Cultural Exchange: Engaging with attendees from France, Nigeria, and across Africa reaffirmed the global curiosity surrounding African game development.
Even as attendance tapered on the final public day, the quality of conversations and feedback from visitors reinforced the significance of Maliyo’s mission: to build world-class games inspired by African stories.
Building Momentum for What’s Next
The Création Africa Forum reminded us that gaming isn’t just entertainment — it’s cultural export. Each conversation, each demo, and each word of recognition contributes to the growing ecosystem of African creatives building for the world.
As Maliyo Games continues to expand our impact through initiatives like GameUp Africa, MaliyoCON, and the African Games Industry Report, events like Création Africa strengthen our belief that the future of gaming in Africa is both bright and global.
