Maliyo Games, a leading game development studio based in Lagos, Nigeria, has been making waves globally. Recently featured on CNN’s African Startup, the spotlight was on our CEO, Hugo Obi, who shared his inspiring journey and the challenges faced in building Maliyo Games from the ground up.
Watch the full interview here.
Pioneering Game Development in Africa
Africa’s gaming industry is rapidly expanding, and Maliyo Games is at the forefront, driven by a passion for creating games that reflect the vibrant stories of the continent. We are dedicated to game development in Africa, empowering local talent and offering opportunities to create masterpieces. Our games, like Aboki Run and Whot King, are not just fun—they’re uniquely African, bringing local culture to a global stage.
When Hugo Obi left his finance career in 2012, he saw the immense potential of the Africa games industry. Today, the industry is expected to surpass $1 billion by the end of 2024, according to a report from Carry1st. Maliyo Games is proud to be part of this growth, and we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries.
Overcoming Challenges: Building an African Gaming Ecosystem
One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of local development talent to bring our visions to life. In the early days, it was difficult to find developers who understood the technology and the cultural significance behind our games. This obstacle, however, turned into an opportunity to launch our talent development program, GameUp Africa.
So far, this program has trained over 5,000 individuals across the continent, nurturing local talent and giving young Africans the chance to shine in the gaming industry. From coding to audio and art design courses, our goal is to ensure that Africans are at the forefront of creating their own stories.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
Today, Maliyo is more than just a local studio—we have grown into a truly pan-African company. We have employees working remotely from five different African countries, with our HQ in Lagos, Nigeria. This diverse team brings unique perspectives from their different backgrounds and experiences helping us create games that are both inclusive and relatable to players from all walks of life.
This culture isn’t just about location—it’s about bringing people together, empowering African talent, and showing that Africa has what it takes to succeed in the global gaming market.
Our Collaboration with Disney: Telling African Stories on a Global Stage
One of the most exciting projects we’ve worked on is our partnership with Disney to create Disney Iwaju: Rising Chef. This collaboration allowed us to showcase African culture in a way that resonates with a global audience. The title is a perfect example of how Maliyo Games combines local authenticity with international appeal, and it highlights the endless storytelling possibilities that Africa offers.
What’s Next for Maliyo?
We’re just getting started! Maliyo Games is currently developing three amazing new titles, each one inspired by the stories and experiences of African life. As we continue to create, our vision is to achieve massive distribution across the globe. Monetization is also key—we want to ensure that our games not only tell amazing stories but are also commercially successful. We aim to show that game development in Nigeria and Africa can thrive creatively and financially.
A Bright Future Ahead
At Maliyo Games, we believe in the potential of Africa’s games industry, our dedication is heralded by our award-winning report that can be found here which we launched in Cape Town and Nairobi, last year. Our team is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating a space where African developers can showcase their skills and creativity. The future of gaming in Africa is bright, and we’re excited to be a part of that journey.
To watch the Maliyo Games team in action, and learn more about how we’re leveling up Africa’s games industry, watch the full CNN interview.
