Createch animation and game school launched in Nairobi

French consortium, Rubika and Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of a Createch animation and game school in Nairobi, to be financed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Rubika, ADMI and AFD share a vision to strengthen the animation and game industry in Africa by setting up a world-class facility in Nairobi, Kenya. They are collaborating to set up a Bachelors program in Game Design & Development and a short term certificate in 2D Animation to start later in the year.

Based on the core philosophy shared by ADMI and Rubika, the project will take an ecosystem approach, supporting promising animators along every step of the production supply chain: training, apprenticeship, incubation, investment and distribution.

Based on France’s recognised expertise in the animation sector, the collaboration will aim at supporting production of local content from Kenya and East Africa towards the global animation and gaming industry.

Speaking at the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Nairobi, Dr Laila Macharia, ADMI Managing Director, stated: “This exciting collaboration with Rubika allows us both to achieve our mutual vision of turning passion into profession. She added: “By 2020, the global animation market is projected to reach US$270 billion in value. This provides a unique opportunity for Africa’s youth to produce – and sell – world-class content. To meet the challenge, we must train local animators to global standards, equip them with business skills and link them to the global content market.”

For the French school Rubika’s CEO Stephane Andre said: “After India and Canada this is a great opportunity to expand our international network. Animation film and gaming sectors present tremendous potentialities in Africa. We are very proud to be part of this adventure which will allow both of our schools to learn from each other. Our common purpose will be to help each of our students to go from his/her passion to a future and enjoyable job”.

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AFD’s Africa Department Director Rima Le Coguic said this was in line with the AFD strategy to develop its activities in the cultural and creative industry. “We support innovation and start-ups, providing mechanisms for financing the creative and cultural entrepreneurship to ensure job creation in this sector,” she said.

 Rubika is a consortium of design institutes comprising the Institut Supérieur de Design (ISD), Supinfocom focused on 3D animation, film-making and computer graphics, and Supinfogame, specialising in video game, interactivity and simulation.

On the other hand, ADMI is Eastern Africa’s premier creative arts, media, and technology training institution. It offers courses at foundation, certificate, and diploma levels in diverse digital media fields, including animation and mobile app and game development