In a groundbreaking move that’s set to transform Pakistan’s tech landscape, the Ignite National Technology Fund has kicked off the country’s first Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA). Awarded to HUM Networks for a whopping Rs. 2.52 billion, this ambitious project officially began on August 1, 2025, after a year of rigorous evaluations and competitive bidding. As the global gaming and animation markets explode with multibillion-dollar opportunities, CEGA positions Pakistan to claim its slice of the pie, empowering young talent and driving economic growth.
If you’re a tech enthusiast, aspiring game developer, or animation artist in Pakistan, this is huge news. Imagine state-of-the-art facilities, specialized training programs, and co-working spaces all under one roof, designed to nurture the next generation of digital creators. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what CEGA means for Pakistan, its potential impact, and why it’s a game-changer for the nation’s creative economy.
The Booming Gaming and Animation Industry: Why Pakistan Needs CEGA Now
The global gaming industry is a juggernaut, projected to reach approximately $189 billion in revenue by 2025, with steady year-on-year growth driven by mobile gaming, esports, and immersive technologies like VR and AR. Similarly, the animation industry worldwide is valued at over $400 billion in 2024 and is expected to soar to $597 billion by 2029, fueled by demand in film, advertising, and digital content creation. These sectors aren’t just entertainment; they’re economic powerhouses creating jobs, fostering innovation, and generating exports.
In Pakistan, the story is one of untapped potential. Last year, the country’s gaming sector alone raked in about $170 million in revenue, supported by over 8,000 active professionals. The animation field is also on the rise, blending traditional artistry with modern digital tools, and contributing to a combined gaming-animation revenue exceeding $200 million annually. With more than 30,000 ICT graduates entering the workforce each year, 195 million mobile subscribers, and 119 million 3G/4G users, Pakistan boasts a young, tech-savvy, English-speaking population that’s perfect for these industries.
However, challenges like limited access to advanced training, high-end equipment, and collaborative spaces have held back growth. Enter CEGA: a strategic initiative to bridge these gaps and catapult Pakistan into the global spotlight. By investing in skills development, the center aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that not only retains local talent but also attracts international partnerships.
Current Statistics Highlighting Pakistan’s Potential
To understand CEGA’s importance, let’s look at some key figures:
- Gaming Revenue: $170 million in 2024, with projections for exponential growth as mobile gaming surges.
- Professional Workforce: Over 8,000 gaming and animation experts, but room for thousands more with proper training.
- ICT Graduates: 30,000 annually, many eager to enter creative tech fields.
- Market Reach: A domestic audience of 119 million broadband users, plus global outsourcing opportunities in animation for Hollywood and Bollywood projects.
- Growth Projections: Pakistan’s animation sector could see a CAGR of 5-7% aligned with global trends, especially with government support.
These stats underscore why CEGA is timely—Pakistan has the raw talent and infrastructure foundation; it just needs a catalyst like this center to accelerate progress.
What is the Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA)?
CEGA is more than just a building; it’s a comprehensive hub designed to foster innovation, training, and industry collaboration in gaming and animation. Funded by the Ignite National Technology Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the project spans five years and three months, focusing on long-term sustainability.
The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including high-performance computers, motion capture studios, and software for 2D/3D animation and game development. Co-working spaces will encourage startups and freelancers to collaborate, while specialized training programs will cover everything from beginner coding in Unity and Unreal Engine to advanced VFX techniques.
Ignite estimates that CEGA will generate significant economic value by upskilling professionals, boosting exports, and creating jobs. It’s not just about local markets— the goal is to make Pakistan a regional player, competing with hubs in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Project Details and Timeline
The journey to CEGA’s launch was meticulous:
- Initiation: Procurement began in May 2024 with a multi-stage process involving technical and financial evaluations.
- Bidding and Evaluations: Competitive bids were reviewed, including grievance hearings and committee deliberations.
- Approval: In May 2025, Ignite’s Board of Directors selected HUM Networks as the partner after extensive reviews.
- Contract Signing: Finalized on July 15, 2025, adhering to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules for transparency.
- Commencement: Work started on August 1, 2025, with full operations expected to roll out progressively over the five-year period.
This timeline ensures compliance and quality, building trust in the project’s execution.
Partnership with HUM Networks: A Media Giant Enters Tech
HUM Networks Limited, known for its entertainment empire including TV channels and content production, is an intriguing choice for CEGA. With a legacy in cultural storytelling, HUM is expanding into digital media, making it a fitting partner to blend creativity with technology. Their expertise in content creation will likely influence CEGA’s programs, focusing on narrative-driven games and animations that resonate globally.
This collaboration highlights how traditional media companies are pivoting to tech, creating synergies that could lead to innovative projects like animated series or mobile games based on Pakistani folklore.
Benefits of CEGA for Pakistan’s Economy and Youth
CEGA isn’t just an investment—it’s a multiplier for growth. Here’s how it will impact various stakeholders:
- Skill Development: Young professionals will gain high-demand skills in game design, animation rigging, and AI-driven content creation, reducing the brain drain to countries like the US or Canada.
- Job Creation: Thousands of new roles in freelancing, studios, and startups, with potential for 10-20% annual growth in the sector.
- Economic Boost: Increased exports of digital services, potentially adding millions to Pakistan’s GDP as animators contribute to international projects.
- Innovation Ecosystem: By integrating arts, technology, and media, CEGA will inspire solutions for local issues, like educational games or animated health campaigns.
- Inclusivity: Programs tailored for women and underrepresented groups, tapping into Pakistan’s diverse talent pool.
For the youth, who make up over 60% of Pakistan’s population, CEGA represents hope—a pathway to lucrative careers in a fun, creative field. Imagine a Pakistani studio winning awards at events like Gamescom or Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The Procurement Process: Ensuring Transparency and Compliance
Transparency is key in public projects, and CEGA sets a strong example. The process followed PPRA guidelines, involving:
- Independent evaluations by technical experts.
- Grievance redressal mechanisms to address bidder concerns.
- Final approval by Ignite’s Finance & Procurement Committee and Board.
This rigorous approach minimizes corruption risks and builds investor confidence, essential for attracting more foreign direct investment in tech.
Global Context: Pakistan’s Position in the Gaming and Animation World
Compared to neighbors like India, which has a $3 billion gaming market and studios like Rockstar India, Pakistan is playing catch-up. However, with low operational costs and a growing talent base, CEGA could mirror successes in the Philippines or Vietnam, where animation outsourcing thrives.
Globally, trends like AI in animation (speeding up production by 50%) and metaverse gaming offer opportunities. Pakistan’s animators are already contributing to international projects, and CEGA will amplify this by providing world-class facilities.
For more on global tech trends, check out our related article on AI Innovations in Pakistan (internal link). Externally, visit the Ignite National Technology Fund website for official updates.
Future Prospects: Innovations and Challenges Ahead
Looking ahead, CEGA could spawn unicorns in gaming or animation exports worth billions. Challenges like power reliability and internet speeds exist, but Ignite’s focus on ecosystem development—through incubators and grants—will help.
In five years, we might see Pakistani games topping app stores or animations at Oscars. Ignite officials are optimistic, stating CEGA will “inspire a new wave of innovation in digital media.”
As Pakistan embraces the fourth industrial revolution, initiatives like this are crucial for a knowledge-based economy.
