With the global animation industry valued at over $394 billion, Enugu State doubles down on digital skills development through its groundbreaking Enugu Magic Labs Animation Training (EMAT) initiative.
Animation is more than art—it’s a passport to the global creative economy.
As Africa emerges as a new force in the global animation landscape, young creatives across the continent are stepping into a future shaped by storytelling, gaming, motion graphics, and digital advertising. Animation is no longer just a skill; it is a viable and fast-growing career path.
For hundreds of aspiring creatives in Enugu, that journey began with the Enugu Magic Labs Animation Training (EMAT) program—an initiative that has already transformed lives and is now set to do even more.
Batch 1 changed lives. Now, Batch 2 is here.
Driven by the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and digital economic transformation, the EMAT program is back—bigger, bolder, and broader in impact.
Organized in partnership with Magic City Labs, a subsidiary of the globally renowned MagicLabs Studio, the program will train over 400 Enugu-based talents in both 2D Illustration and 3D Motion Design.
Led by seasoned industry professionals whose protégés now work with entertainment giants such as Netflix, Disney, and top African animation studios, EMAT delivers world-class instruction at a fraction of the cost. The training is up to 80% subsidized, ensuring broad access and eliminating financial barriers for passionate young creators.
Training Designed for Local Talent, Aimed at Global Impact
Exclusively open to residents of Enugu State, EMAT is more than just a technical program—it is a strategic investment in the creative and digital economy, designed to equip local talents with globally relevant skills.
Participants will gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and portfolio development, positioning them for employment, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in the global media and entertainment ecosystem.
Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes storytelling rooted in African identity, enabling Enugu’s youth to tell stories that resonate both locally and globally—stories that reflect their communities, values, and culture.
Building the Foundation of a Creative Tech Economy
EMAT is one of many initiatives under Governor Mbah’s broader plan to create a digitally driven, innovation-led economy in Enugu. By investing in creative industries like animation, the government is not only preparing its youth for global competitiveness but also laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining creative economy that can generate jobs, export intellectual property, and boost regional GDP.
As the creative economy grows worldwide, initiatives like EMAT ensure Enugu is not left behind—but stands at the forefront.
Apply Now
Eligible creatives aged 18–35 from Enugu State are encouraged to apply.
Application Portal: www.enugusme.en.gov.ng/emat
Exclusively for Enugu State residents.
> This is your moment to bring your story to life. Seize it.
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