Work has started on Pakistan’s first Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), a major initiative by the Ignite National Technology Fund aimed at transforming the country’s gaming and animation landscape.
The project was awarded to M/s. HUM Networks for Rs. 2.52 billion, formally commenced on August 1, 2025, following a competitive bidding process and detailed evaluations over the past year. The facility will serve as a hub for training, innovation, and industry growth over a period of five years and three months.
The CEGA project is designed to position Pakistan as a key regional player in the billion-dollar global gaming and animation industry. It will offer state-of-the-art equipment, co-working spaces, and specialized training programs, enabling young professionals to develop high-demand skills. Ignite estimates that the center will create opportunities not only for career growth but also for generating economic value, as Pakistan seeks to capture a greater share of the booming sector.
Pakistan’s gaming industry earned approximately $170 million in revenue last year, with over 8,000 professionals currently active in the field. The country’s strong ICT talent pool, producing over 30,000 graduates annually, along with 195 million mobile subscribers, 119 million 3G/4G users, and a predominantly young, English-speaking population, makes it an attractive market for gaming and animation ventures. Ignite believes these factors provide a strong foundation for CEGA’s success.
According to the document, the journey to CEGA’s launch involved a multi-stage procurement process starting in May 2024, with technical and financial evaluations, grievance hearings, and reviews by the Finance & Procurement Committee. The Board of Directors approved HUM Networks as the project partner in May 2025 after extensive deliberations, paving the way for contract signing on July 15, 2025. The facility will operate under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to ensure transparency and compliance.
Ignite officials have expressed confidence that CEGA will not only enhance Pakistan’s creative and technical capabilities but also inspire a new wave of innovation in digital media. By integrating technology, arts, and media, the center aims to foster solutions for both local and global markets, while creating a sustainable ecosystem for the gaming and animation industry in the country.