Something significant happened in our studio on the 16th and 17th of April. A team flew in from Arizona, from one of the most innovative universities in the world — not to deliver a lecture or run a workshop, but to sit with our trainers and learners, and understand who they are. The visit symbolizes what this partnership is really about.

Today, we are proud to formally announce our partnership with Arizona State University, ranked the most innovative university in the United States for 9 consecutive years, to upskill African talent in artificial intelligence and game development through the GameUp Africa program.

What this partnership actually means

This is a joint initiative between Maliyo Games through GameUp Africa and Arizona State University through its Endless Games and Learning Lab — a pioneering unit within the university that merges game environments, cutting-edge technology, and accessible learning experiences to prepare people for the future of work.

At the core of the collaboration is a micro-credential framework that allows our learners to earn Arizona State University certifications. These certifications are flexible, stackable qualifications built at their own pace, each one aligned with what the global games and technology industry actually demands. They are earned through hands-on work in game development and artificial intelligence, and they carry the full weight of a world-class institution behind them.

Since its launch in 2021, GameUp Africa has received over 6,000 applications, trained more than 1,500 developers, and seen learners publish over 150 games. This partnership is the next chapter for that community — more structured, more credentialled, and more connected to global opportunity than ever before.

“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

Since the program’s rollout in early 2026, we have already delivered over 150 micro-credentials to the first cohort of GameUp Africa graduates. Each learner received a certificate and badge issued directly by Arizona State University. That is just the beginning.

Key figures at a glance:

150+  Micro-credentials awarded since early 2026

10,000  Learners targeted for training across Africa

$5B+  Projected value of Africa’s gaming industry by 2030

The visit and the moment it became official

The defining moment of the visit came at MadHouse, on Thursday, 16 April 2026,  on the grounds of the University of Lagos. It was there, surrounded by participants of the GameUp Africa program, developers, educators, and guests, that the partnership was formally and publicly sealed. The Arizona State University delegation stood in a room full of the people this collaboration was built for, and the commitment became real in a way that no signed document could fully capture.

MadHouse, University of Lagos · April 2026

GameUp Africa participants, developers from across Lagos, and the Arizona State University delegation gathered for a roundtable that was equal parts celebration and conviction. The delegates did not just speak about the program — they engaged with it, meeting the community, hearing first-hand accounts, and reaffirming that this partnership is built to grow and built to last.

Choosing to seal this one at a university campus in Lagos; at a venue where young African talent gathers, learns, and grows — sent a clear message about where Arizona State University’s priorities lie.

“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. 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

Heard from the people doing the work

Stats and statements only go so far. Here is what the experience looked like from inside the program, in the words of one of our learners:

“I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with three different teams made up of talented developers, artists, and audio engineers from across Africa. Each team brought its own rhythm, creativity, and approach to problem-solving, and learning to adapt to those dynamics was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Together, we worked on live service features and published games, which was incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to have earned a micro-credential and certification from the Endless Games and Learning Lab at Arizona State University in recognition of this work.”

— Ibrahim Karl · Elite Participant, 2025

What comes next

We are not stopping at 150 credentials or 50 learners. Over the next few years, this partnership aims to train and certify 10,000 young people across Africa in artificial intelligence and game development. To support that scale, Maliyo Games is building a dedicated physical hub that is equipped with infrastructure, tools, and an active, connected developer community. This is so that geography is never again a reason a talented developer cannot access what they need.

The conversations from this week at the studio, at MadHouse, and at the University of Lagos also opened doors to what broader expansion could look like: accreditation, faculty and student exchange, mentorship, and a curriculum built with the African experience at its center. Both organisations are committed to seeing this through.

Africa’s gaming industry is projected to surpass $5 billion by 2030. The continent’s young, digitally native population is not just consuming games; they are building them. The demand for skilled, AI-literate developers has never been greater. This partnership is our answer to that moment and our commitment to making sure African talent leads it.

Stay close to what’s coming

Follow Maliyo Games and GameUp Africa for program updates, cohort openings, and opportunities to be part of the movement building the future of African gaming.

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