African animators and artists can apply for one of 100 places on a free online animation course designed by Japanese anime professionals.
The Second Key Animation course will help participants develop skills for the Japanese animation industry. Top performers will be recommended to leading Japanese anime studios for consideration, although this does not guarantee employment.
The course is a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa, Arc & Beyond and animation studio Triggerfish. It is funded by the Government of Japan.
Five pre-recorded lessons will be released between 6 November and 13 December 2026, allowing participants to learn at their convenience.
The opportunity comes as anime continues to grow globally. African animators are also gaining recognition, with South African animator Malcolm Wope credited as a key animator on Lazarus, which won Best Original Anime at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
In September 2026, Japanese studio Toei Animation also agreed to co-produce an animated short film with Nigeria’s CR Motion+, marking its first co-production with an African animation studio.
Maxwell Gomera, UNDP South Africa’s resident representative, said African young people need the skills and opportunities to turn their creativity into careers and share their stories with the world.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
– Be at least 18 years old.
– Be African citizens living anywhere in the world.
– Have a digital illustration or animation portfolio or showreel.
– Understand English instructions.
– Have reliable internet, a digital drawing device and a computer capable of running 2D animation software such as Clip Studio Paint.
Application deadline: 1 November 2026.
Apply here: https://triggerfish.com/academy/second-key-animation/
The course offers African animators an opportunity to sharpen their skills and potentially connect with Japanese studios, opening another pathway into the global animation industry.
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