Work has officially commenced on Pakistan’s first Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), a flagship project by Ignite National Technology Fund to advance the country’s capabilities in the global gaming and animation market. Valued at Rs. 2.52 billion, the initiative has been awarded to M/s HUM Networks after a competitive bidding process that spanned over a year, with rigorous technical and financial evaluations. The project formally began on August 1, 2025, and will run for a period of five years and three months, serving as a hub for talent development, innovation, and business growth in the sector.
CEGA is designed to position Pakistan as a competitive force in the rapidly expanding global gaming and animation industry, which generates billions in annual revenue. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, co-working spaces, and specialized training programs to equip professionals with in-demand skills. By fostering high-quality content creation and technical expertise, Ignite aims to generate new career opportunities while boosting the sector’s contribution to the economy. Pakistan’s gaming industry earned approximately $170 million last year, with over 8,000 active professionals. Combined with a strong ICT talent base producing more than 30,000 graduates each year, the country’s 195 million mobile subscribers, 119 million 3G/4G users, and predominantly young, English-speaking population make it a strong contender for significant growth in gaming and animation.
The path to CEGA’s launch began in May 2024 with a multi-stage procurement process, including technical and financial assessments, grievance hearings, and oversight by the Finance & Procurement Committee. Following extensive deliberations, HUM Networks was approved as the project partner by the Board of Directors in May 2025, with the contract signed on July 15, 2025. The project is being executed in full compliance with Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to ensure transparency and adherence to best practices in public sector contracting.
Ignite officials expressed confidence that CEGA will serve as a catalyst for Pakistan’s creative economy by integrating technology, arts, and media to meet both domestic and international demand. The center is expected to inspire a new wave of innovation in digital media, support the development of a skilled workforce, and create a sustainable ecosystem for the gaming and animation industry. With its focus on training, infrastructure, and collaborative opportunities, CEGA aims to solidify Pakistan’s standing as a regional hub for game development and animation production.
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