Maliyo Games Strikes ASU Partnership: Bringing International Credentials to African Talent

Lagos-based Maliyo Games has secured a transatlantic partnership with Arizona State University’s Endless Games and Learning Lab to embed U.S. micro-credentials into its GameUp Africa talent acceleration programme. The agreement, formalised during a studio visit by ASU representatives Mark Ollila and Bola Akinrolabu, positions GameUp Africa as a conduit for delivering globally recognised qualifications to African game developers who historically face barriers to international certification. Over the next three years, Maliyo Games and ASU aim to train and certify more than 10,000 learners across the continent, equipping them with practical skills, industry exposure and credentials that enhance employability in the global gaming market. The initiative reflects a strategic shift toward nurturing homegrown talent rather than relying on imported expertise, aligning with broader efforts to build a sustainable African games sector. The partnership’s scope covers all of Africa, targeting developers from diverse regions and leveraging ASU’s reputation as one of the largest innovation-focused universities in the United States. While specific survey or sample sizes are not disclosed, the programme’s scale and partnership with a major U.S. university suggest a robust framework for curriculum delivery, assessment, and credentialing that will be monitored over the three-year rollout. The collaboration underscores a growing trend of international academic institutions partnering with African tech ecosystems to provide formal recognition and accelerate skill development in emerging creative industries.