How the Magic Lab Academy in Nigeria is bridging the animation skills gap in Africa
With online and in-person training programs, Nigerian ed-tech startup Magic Lab Academy hopes to address the lack of qualified people in the animation sector.
Co-founders Ferdy Adimefe, Chekwube Okonkwo, and Duru Azubuike came up with the idea for Magic Lab in 2023. After launching their profitable animation business, they used the platform to train animators online.
It was created after its founders realized there was a severe lack of qualified people in the business, which had an impact on their studio and revealed a larger need in the sector.
“Magic Lab Academy identified a significant gap in the market – the need for an authentic and culturally focused animation studio that understands the unique challenges and opportunities in training young African talent to meet global market demands. While there are numerous animation schools and programmes available worldwide, few cater specifically to the African context, particularly in terms of cultural relevance, accessibility, and hands-on training,” Adimefe told Disrupt Africa.
“In Africa, there is a burgeoning interest in animation, fueled by a rich tradition of storytelling and a youthful population eager to engage with new media. However, most existing programmes are either too generic, lacking in cultural context, or fail to provide the practical, hands-on experiences necessary to truly develop a student’s potential.”
Magic Lab Academy fills this void by providing a curriculum that is steeped in African storytelling traditions and culture while being technically demanding.
Adimefe stated, “We at Magic Lab Academy have created a hybrid training model that combines the best aspects of both in-person and online learning.”
“This adaptable strategy guarantees that a larger spectrum of students can participate in our programs, irrespective of their location or individual circumstances. With our hybrid model, students can accomplish their coursework at their own pace and participate in live, interactive sessions with qualified teachers.
The creators of Magic Lab Academy contributed personally to the school’s funding, and a sizable seed round was provided by an angel investor who is enthusiastic about technology and youth education.
We were able to effectively establish the academy, create our curriculum, and begin our first classes thanks to this early financial help. Our fundraising model has changed over time to incorporate a number of strategic alliances and partnerships that have not only contributed money but also expanded the scope and effect of our program, according to Adimefe.
Since its founding, Magic Lab Academy has come a long way in educating and developing young African animators.
“We have trained over 400 people over the years, giving them the tools they need to succeed in the animation industry,” Adimefe stated.
“The academy now has a solid foundation thanks to this extensive training, which demonstrates our ability to develop talent and meet industry demands.”
The company introduced its diploma program last year with the goal of providing students who want to pursue professions in animation with an even more thorough and organized approach.
We now have 100 students enrolled in this program due to the high level of interest. The rigorous diploma curriculum covers a wide spectrum of talents, from modern digital tools to traditional animation approaches. It guarantees that students are well-prepared to enter the professional world after graduation by giving them both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, according to Adimefe.
