The Creative Economy stands as a significant employer and a vital contributor to the socio-economic development of nations. In an increasingly digital world, there is a growing demand for skilled digital creators to contribute to the production of modern digital content.
During a recent visit to Nigeria, Pierre Hintz, Studio Head of 343 Industries (makers of Halo), aptly remarked that , “70% of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa comprises 18-year-olds and younger. In the next 20 years, the majority of video game consumers and creators will be today’s youth population.” Africa is uniquely positioned as the next frontier for commerce and a hub for the workforce of the future.
As ecosystem builders, we are cultivating the next generation of creators in Africa. AfricaComicade is excited to announce the launch of the Spark Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering the creativity of young Africans. This Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for emerging talent to receive training, mentorship, resources, and support as they embark on their journey to make a mark in the dynamic world of video games, immersive, and interactive media development.
The Spark Fellowship is backed by Unity 3D and the program is run in collaboration with Enter Africa, The Nest Technology and Innovation Park, and other industry stakeholders.
Who is the Spark Fellowship for?
The ideal candidate has a passion for Video Game Development, Animation, or XR and can demonstrate creativity in these fields. A self-motivated individual and team player, they should be eager to embrace challenges, explore diverse opportunities, and adapt to a dynamic environment. The ability to dedicate a minimum of fifteen (15) hours per week is essential, along with access to the necessary hardware and internet resources.
Key benefits of the Spark Fellowship include:
- Mentorship from Industry Stakeholders: Participants will engage closely with seasoned mentors from the gaming industry, benefitting from their expertise, feedback, and valuable insights.
- Unity Certification Opportunity: Exceptional fellows will be eligible to participate in the globally recognized Unity Certification exam, enhancing their career prospects in the industry.
- Thriving Global Community: Participants will join a dynamic community of like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration, networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
- Career Launchpad: Successful program participants will gain access to a network of potential employers in the gaming sector, paving the way for exciting job and internship opportunities to kickstart their careers in the gaming industry.
This year’s program adopts a hybrid model, combining physical events and virtual classes to offer a diverse experience across a range of courses in both technical and non-technical subjects. Technical courses encompass Video Game Development, Animation, and Extended Reality Development, while non-technical offerings include Product and Community Management, Digital Marketing, Media, and Journalism.
Michael Oscar, Co-Founder of Africacomicade, describes the program as ‘a talent pipeline for supporting the growth of the African digital creative industry.’ The Spark Fellowship, nested within the ARK initiative, stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a sustainable ecosystem for stakeholders in the African Immersive and Interactive media sector. We eagerly anticipate the emergence of remarkable projects from this fellowship and the transformative impact it will have on the gaming landscape.
Applications for the inaugural cohort of the Spark Fellowship 2023 are currently open until December 10, 2023. Those interested can access additional information and apply for participation at www.africacomicade.org/sparkfellowship.
About Africacomicade
Africacomicade is a launchpad for stakeholders in the African Immersive and Interactive media industry ( games, animation, and XR ), spotlighting their works, and connecting them to opportunities for learning, collaboration, and funding.
For media and/or partnership inquiries, please contact:people@africacomicade.org
