Pakistan has officially begun work on its first Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), a landmark initiative by the Ignite National Technology Fund aimed at revolutionizing the country’s gaming and animation industry.
The Rs. 2.52 billion project, awarded to HUM Networks, commenced on August 1, 2025 after a competitive bidding process and year-long evaluations. Over the next five years and three months, CEGA will operate as a hub for advanced training, innovation, and industry development.
The center’s vision is to position Pakistan as a regional leader in the multi-billion-dollar global gaming and animation market. CEGA will feature cutting-edge equipment, co-working spaces, and specialized training programs, empowering young professionals with in-demand skills. According to Ignite, the initiative will generate both career opportunities and economic value by tapping into the booming sector.
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Currently, Pakistan’s gaming industry generates about $170 million annually and employs over 8,000 professionals. With an ICT talent pool producing more than 30,000 graduates every year, along with 195 million mobile subscribers and 119 million 3G/4G users, the country offers a fertile ground for growth in gaming and animation.
The project’s procurement journey began in May 2024, involving detailed technical and financial evaluations, grievance hearings, and reviews by the Finance & Procurement Committee. After extensive deliberations, HUM Networks was officially selected in May 2025, leading to the signing of the agreement on July 15, 2025. CEGA will function under PPRA rules to ensure full transparency and compliance.
Ignite officials believe CEGA will elevate Pakistan’s creative and technical capabilities, driving innovation at the intersection of technology, arts, and media. The center aims to deliver solutions for local and international markets while building a sustainable digital ecosystem for the gaming and animation sector.
