The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Arc & Beyond, a general incorporated association, have signed an agreement on a project to develop animation talent in Africa. With support from the Government of Japan, they will run a five-week online course and other activities for about 100 young animators in Africa.
In Africa, the youth population is growing, and creating jobs has become a major challenge. Against this backdrop, creative industries such as animation and games, whose markets are expanding, are attracting attention as fields that could create new jobs and economic growth. However, opportunities to receive specialized training and to connect with international markets are still limited.
Under this project, experts from Japan and Africa will work together on a capacity-building program for young creators. They will develop an online curriculum centered on the "second key animation" (dai-ni genga) process in animation production, and run courses in cooperation with animation studios in Africa. After the course, they are also considering ways to connect participants who show outstanding results with the animation industry and with career opportunities. UNDP's Resident Representative in South Africa noted, in essence, that Africa does not lack creativity, and that what is needed is an environment in which that creativity is recognized, supported, and turned into sustainable livelihoods.
Key points
- UNDP and a Japanese general incorporated association, supported by the Government of Japan, will develop animation talent in Africa
- About 100 participants will learn through a five-week online course centered on the "second key animation" process
- The project responds to the development challenge of youth employment through the power of creative industries
Why This News Deserves Attention
When people think of international cooperation, many may picture infrastructure, health, or agriculture. This project aims to put animation production skills to work in creating jobs for young people in Africa, showing just how broad development cooperation can be.
The program does not end with the course itself; it also looks ahead to connections with the industry and job opportunities after completion, which makes it a useful example of support that considers young people's futures.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stayed with me is that Africa's youth population is growing and job creation is a challenge. Responding to that through a creative field like animation feels fresh, and it is reassuring that they are thinking about industry connections after the course.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba about support that looks beyond the course itself. The view that creativity exists but lacks places to be recognized feels like the very wish of people who want their expression to reach across languages and borders.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I realized how broad international cooperation can be. Among the roughly 100 people learning in this five-week course, someone may one day create a work loved around the world. Imagining that future is a joy.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Japanese anime is now loved by young people all over the world. It is exciting to think that the craft of making anime might help young creators in Africa build careers and pursue their dreams. Why not follow this project and look forward to the day when we can watch works born in African studios?”