GameUp Africa stepped onto the global stage at the Games for Change SDG Summit in Nairobi, where leaders across the games industry, technology, and the United Nations gathered to explore how games can drive real-world impact.
As part of a broader delegation led by Maliyo Games, GameUp Africa contributed to conversations shaping the future of games across education, innovation, and economic growth. Dorothy Orina, Programme Manager at GameUp Africa, spoke on “Education, Opportunity, and the Games Industry,” joining voices from UNICEF, InSight54, Arizona State University, and industry leaders to discuss how games can create pathways from learning to livelihoods.
The summit itself reinforced a powerful idea: games are no longer just entertainment. They are tools for education, inclusion, and scalable impact, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Alumni Recognition on a Global Platform
One of the most notable moments from the summit came during the pitch competition.
Joanna Oluoch, a GameUpAfrica alumna from the 2022 cohort, won the Next Billion Players Award for her project Argo.
Argo is an augmented reality experience that brings Kenya’s Oloolua Forest to life, allowing players to explore its landscapes, wildlife, and hidden landmarks from anywhere. Inspired by her personal connection to the forest, Joanna’s work blends storytelling, technology, and environmental awareness, reflecting the broader potential of African game development.
This win is proof of what happens when talent is nurtured, supported, and given access to the right platforms. It reflects the core of what GameUp Africa is building, a community where creators can grow and go on to make meaningful impact on a global stage.
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Partnerships and Pathways
The conversations at the summit around talent pipelines and industry growth directly mirror the work already underway within GameUp Africa.
Earlier this year, Maliyo Games announced a partnership with Arizona State University to expand access to game development and AI education for African talent, with GameUp Africa serving as the vehicle for this initiative.
As part of this effort, 150 micro-credentials were awarded to the first cohort of GameUp Africa’s graduates, with each learner earning a certificate and badge issued directly by Arizona State University, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and globally recognized learning opportunities.
At a time when the industry faces a growing gap between trained talent and available opportunities, initiatives like this are essential. They move beyond training alone and focus on creating a structured, scalable curriculum that connects learning to real-world application and employment.
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Closing Reflection
From global conversations in Nairobi to real outcomes within the community, one thing is clear. The future of African game development is being built intentionally.
GameUp Africa is not only preparing talent to participate in the industry. It is helping shape what that industry becomes, ensuring that African creators are equipped, visible, and positioned to lead.
Follow us on social media @gameupafrica for more updates and opportunities.
