Maliyo Games Partners with Arizona State University to Upskill African Talents in AI and Game Development

Maliyo Games, a leading African game development studio known for building African-inspired games and developing talent, has announced a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), a globally-recognised leader in innovation and digital learning, to advance game development education and upskill African talent through artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum.On Thursday, April 16, 2026, representatives from Arizona State University, United States, visited Maliyo Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where they engaged with trainers and learners, explored expansion opportunities, and gained deeper insight into the local African gaming ecosystem. The visit reinforced a shared commitment to building learning solutions that are both globally relevant and locally impactful.Through offering micro-credentials to learners who complete its practical training programme, the programme equips talents with industry-relevant skills and real-world experience in game development and AI. This is a joint venture between Maliyo Games through its GameUp Africa training initiative and Arizona State University through the Endless Games and Learning Lab.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. These credentials are designed to be flexible and stackable, allowing participants to progress at their own pace while staying aligned with global workforce demands.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. Founding Director, Endless Games and Learning Lab, Arizona State University, Mark Olilla, enthuses: “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.” Affirming the significance of the partnership, CEO, Maliyo Games, Hugo Obi, emphasises: “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.”Commenting on how the partnership impacts, Elite Participant 2025, Ibrahim Karl, who is a recipient of micro-credential and certification from Endless Games and Learning Lab at Arizona State University, states: “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.”Hugo Obi further adds that, building on this momentum, 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,” he discloses.Africa’s gaming industry is on a significant growth trajectory, projected to surpass $5 billion by 2030. With the continent’s young, digitally native population driving both consumption and creation, the demand for skilled, AI-literate game developers has never been greater.  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. About Maliyo GamesMaliyo Games is a leading game development company based in Nigeria, focused on creating African-inspired games and building the next generation of game developers across the continent. Through its training programs, community initiatives, and industry partnerships, Maliyo Games is committed to developing talent, expanding opportunities, and driving growth within Africa’s gaming ecosystem.About GameUp Africa GameUp Africa is a talent accelerator program by Maliyo Games that provides an entry point into the games industry for aspiring game developers, artists and audio producers on the African continent, availing the tools and knowledge to craft exceptional game experiences. Launched in 2021, GameUp Africa has received 6K+ applications, trained 1.5K+ devs and published 150+ games made by learners!About Arizona State UniversityArizona State University is a globally recognized institution known for its leadership in innovation, digital learning, and workforce development. Through initiatives like the Endless Games and Learning Lab, ASU is pioneering new approaches to education that combine technology, creativity, and experiential learning to prepare individuals for the future of work. About Endless Games and Learning LabThe Endless Games and Learning Lab is an Arizona State University’s initiative representing a new era in education, merging cutting-edge technology, engaging game environments, and universally accessible learning experiences. It seeks to create infinitely scalable learning that is massively distributed, universally accessible, high-intensity and personalized learning solutions for all people. Follow Maliyo Games and GameUp Africa on social media for the latest updates, programme news, and exclusive opportunities to get involved as we build the future of African gaming.Connect with Maliyo Games Website: www.maliyo.com Instagram: @maliyogames Twitter/X: @maliyogames Facebook: facebook.com/maliyogames

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