Work has officially commenced on Pakistan’s first Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), an ambitious initiative by Ignite National Technology Fund that aims to transform the country’s gaming and animation sector into a competitive player in the global market. The Rs. 2.52 billion project has been awarded to M/s. HUM Networks and began operations on August 1, 2025, following a year-long process of competitive bidding, evaluations, and regulatory approvals.
The facility will serve as a central hub for innovation, industry development, and skills training over a period of five years and three months. Designed to integrate technology, creativity, and industry expertise, CEGA is expected to provide a substantial boost to Pakistan’s creative economy while creating opportunities for local talent to compete internationally.
Ignite’s vision for CEGA is to equip young professionals with high-demand skills through state-of-the-art training programs, access to modern equipment, and collaborative workspaces. These facilities will be geared toward supporting both independent creators and emerging studios, encouraging the production of world-class gaming and animation content. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of expanding the ICT sector’s capabilities, generating employment, and increasing Pakistan’s footprint in the multi-billion-dollar global creative industry.
Pakistan’s gaming sector already demonstrates strong growth potential. The industry generated approximately $170 million in revenue last year, with over 8,000 professionals working in the field. This momentum is supported by a robust ICT talent pool, producing more than 30,000 graduates annually. With 195 million mobile subscribers, 119 million 3G/4G users, and a predominantly young, English-speaking population, the country offers a dynamic market for creative digital services. Ignite believes these factors position CEGA to become a catalyst for accelerating industry growth and attracting global partnerships.
The path to CEGA’s establishment began in May 2024, when the procurement process was initiated. It included multiple stages of technical and financial evaluations, grievance hearings, and detailed reviews by the Finance & Procurement Committee. In May 2025, HUM Networks was officially approved as the project partner by the Board of Directors after thorough deliberations. The contract was signed on July 15, 2025, clearing the way for the project’s launch under the oversight of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to ensure transparency and compliance.
Officials from Ignite have expressed optimism about the project’s impact, highlighting its potential to create a sustainable ecosystem for the gaming and animation industries in Pakistan. By merging technology, art, and media, CEGA is expected to nurture a new generation of creative professionals who can develop solutions for both domestic and international markets. This collaborative approach is intended to drive innovation, support entrepreneurship, and open new economic avenues within the creative digital sector.
Once operational, CEGA will not only contribute to skill development and employment generation but also enhance Pakistan’s ability to produce high-quality content for global audiences. With its combination of infrastructure, training, and industry partnerships, the center represents a strategic investment in the country’s future as a competitive force in gaming and animation.
