Day: March 12, 2024

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Nigerian Game Developer Maliyo Becomes the First African Developer to Partner With Disney

Key Developments

Nigerian Game Developer Maliyo Becomes the First African Developer to Partner With Disney

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In a first for the African continent, Nigerian game developer Maliyo Games has partnered with Disney Games to launch a mobile game based on the new Disney+ animated series “Iwájú.”

Maliyo Games, known for its library of over 40 mobile titles inspired by African themes, brings its expertise to “Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef.”

This culinary adventure game allows players to cook and serve popular Nigerian dishes like Jollof Rice, a staple across West Africa.

“This collaboration perfectly aligns with Maliyo Games’ mission of showcasing African talent and creating high-quality games for a global audience,” said Hugo Obi, founder and CEO of Maliyo Games.

“The ‘Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef’ project exemplifies our team’s ability to deliver exceptional mobile games. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team who approached this challenge with passion, creativity, and focus.”

Disney Games recognized Maliyo Games’ unique potential for this project.

“Their experience in crafting African-inspired games made them the perfect partner to bring the essence of ‘Iwájú’ to life,” said Sonoko Isioka, executive director of product development at Disney Games.

“Through this collaboration with Disney and Kugali Media, Maliyo Games has infused the game with vibrant Nigerian culture and cuisine, staying true to the spirit of the series.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for the African gaming industry, showcasing the continent’s creativity and talent on a global stage.

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South African Car Subscription Startup Planet42 Secures $16 Million Funding

New Investments

South African Car Subscription Startup Planet42 Secures $16 Million Funding

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South Africa car subscription startup Planet42 has secured $16 million (R300 million) in local currency debt and equity funding from Standard Bank.
 

This funding will be used to pay off more expensive euro-denominated loans.

The recent investment adds to the $150 million Planet42 has raised to date, including $100 million secured in 2023.

Founded in 2017, the company uses data and algorithms to assess credit risk and offer customers flexible car rental or purchase options.

The company currently focuses on South Africa and Mexico, where they boast over 12,000 delivered vehicles.

Their 2023 funding round included $15 million in equity, $10 million in debt, and a $75 million credit facility.

This investment highlights a shift for Planet42, previously relying solely on foreign currency loans.

“Operating without local currency debt was extremely expensive,” stated the company’s CEO.

The Standard Bank funding signifies a potential “bigger strategic partnership” as per the CEO.

In Africa, Planet42 faces competition from companies like Autochek, which caters to individual car ownership needs, and Moove, which focuses on ride-hailing vehicles in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

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