Applications Open for Roots & Pixels Programme: Bringing African Women Game Developers to Belgium

The Roots & Pixels programme has launched an open call for applications, offering a fully funded international training opportunity for female-identifying game developers. Scheduled for March 15–26, 2027, the initiative aims to bridge the gap in talent mobility and international networking for women working in the African game development sector. The programme will take place at the Howest Digital Arts and Entertainment campuses in Kortrijk, Belgium, and is supported by VLIRUOS, which covers all travel, accommodation, and training expenses for participants.

The cohort will consist of 17 developers, including nine participants from South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda, and eight developers based in Belgium. The curriculum is designed for junior-level professionals across various disciplines, including programming, design, production, art, and community management. The two-week structure features a blend of masterclasses and workshops during the first week, followed by a collaborative game jam in the second week. A core focus of the programme is the development of games for impact, emphasizing social consciousness and cultural storytelling.

This initiative addresses the persistent challenges faced by developers in emerging African markets, where access to global industry networks remains limited despite the rapid growth of local studio ecosystems. By facilitating cross-continental collaboration, the programme seeks to empower women to expand their professional reach and technical skills. Interested candidates have until August 16, 2026, to submit their applications through the official programme portal.