Gaming software developer training initiative GameUp Africa, organised by game development studio Maliyo Games, has begun with its second annual bootcamp for entry-level game developers in Africa.

GameUp Africa supports young African game developers and creators from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

GameUp Africa bridges the gap between up-and-coming game developers and studios that need them, changing the game development landscape in Africa for the better.

According to organisers, GameUp Africa 2 will empower aspiring game developers with valuable programming skills, and its main objective is to upskill African youth in the core competencies required for game development on Android, “while providing ecosystem support to the continental gaming industry.”

They add that game development resources are fewer in Africa than in other parts of the world, due to the culture around games, access to quality education, and poor infrastructure.

“For over a decade now, local games studios have struggled to find skilled talent to grow their product pipelines, as available talents need further investment in education to grow their skills,” GameUp Africa stated.

GameUp Africa is the brainchild of Maliyo Games founder and CEO, Hugo Obi.

Obi said, “Before we started this bootcamp, we asked ourselves, ‘What if there was a way to help small game development studios and rising talent develop their skills and talent?’ This was the origin of GameUp Africa.”

He added, “We are honoured to be working on supporting skills development within the African games industry, unlocking new employment opportunities for candidates and driving economic growth as a result. This program has the potential to take African gaming communities to the next level.”

GameUp Africa bridges the gap between up-and-coming game developers and studios that need them, changing the game development landscape in Africa for the better. The participants are given an opportunity to follow their dreams to create games and change the games industry in Africa and worldwide.

Many alumni from last year’s bootcamp are now enjoying career success in games companies across the continent.

Candidates are invited to apply to the GameUp Africa Bootcamp. Applications close on 5 August 2022.