The Enugu MSME & Startup Agency has graduated the first cohort of participants in the Enugu Magic Labs Animation Training Programme (EMAT), a digital skills initiative designed to prepare young creatives in Enugu State for opportunities in the global animation and digital content industry.
The programme, implemented by the Enugu SME Center in partnership with Magic Lab Academy, provided four months of intensive training in 2D illustration, 3D motion design, animation storytelling, and digital production.
Participants were equipped with technical skills aimed at enabling them to compete in the rapidly expanding $390 billion global animation and digital content market, organisers said.
The initiative forms part of the broader vision of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to build a digital workforce and expand the state’s creative economy.
Highlighting the importance of the programme, the governor said government must provide platforms that enable young people to thrive in the global digital economy.
“The future of our economy lies in the hands of digitally skilled young people. Our job as government is to create the platform for them to compete globally,” Mbah said.
Beyond technical training, organisers noted that graduates of the programme will gain access to internship pipelines, freelance opportunities, studio collaborations, and global creative platforms to support their professional growth.
Officials of the Enugu SME Center explained that the programme is part of the state’s broader strategy to nurture local talent and position Enugu as a hub for digital innovation and creative enterprise.
Applications Open for EMAT Cohort 2
Following the graduation of the first cohort, the agency announced that applications are now open for the second batch of the programme, giving more residents the opportunity to acquire world-class training in animation and creative technology.
Interested applicants can apply through the official portal:
www.enugusme.en.gov.ng/emat
The organisers encouraged young people passionate about animation, design, storytelling, and digital creativity to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the programme is aimed at raising the next generation of African digital creators.
