UNDP, Arc & Beyond sign grant for Africa animator training
The five-week online course will focus on the second key animation process for about 100 young animators across Africa, with Japanese government support.
The United Nations Development Programme and the Japanese general incorporated association Arc & Beyond announced on October 19, 2026 that they have signed a Low Value Grant Agreement for an animation talent development project in Africa, according to gamebusiness.jp.
The project, backed by the Japanese government, targets about 100 young animators across the continent. It centers on a five-week online course built around the “second key animation” (dai-ni genga) process, a stage in which animators refine drawings that sit between the key frames of a cut.
The curriculum is being developed jointly by Japanese and African experts, and the course will run in cooperation with animation studios based in Africa.
After the program ends, the organizers say they are considering measures to connect outstanding participants with the animation industry and to create career opportunities for them. No start date for the course was given in the announcement.
Quick answers
What is the UNDP and Arc & Beyond animation project?
It is a talent development program for about 100 young animators in Africa, centered on a five-week online course on the second key animation process.
Who is funding the animation training program?
The project is supported by the Japanese government under a Low Value Grant Agreement signed with UNDP.
When does the online course start?
The announcement did not give a start date for the five-week course.