The intersection of technology, creativity, and sustainability took centre stage at the 2022 Africa Comicade convention in Lagos, where Fatimah Bamisedun, Regional Community Champion of the Global Shapers Community, urged young Africans to embrace gamification as a tool for learning, inclusion, and community development.
Speaking during a session titled “Creatives for Impact and Sustainability,” Bamisedun explored how the mechanics of play — including rewards, challenges, and storytelling — could be applied to address issues such as climate action, digital literacy, and education reform.
“The Global Shapers Community has 15 regional hubs across Nigeria. From virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to animation, game development, and esports, opportunities abound for African youth to shape industries that merge innovation with sustainability,” she said. “The creative sector offers economic potential and an untapped soil for social inclusion, education, and empowerment.”
The event, convened by Africa Comicade Founder, Michael Oscar Esio, brought together game developers, technology innovators, educators, and students to examine how gaming and digital media can promote social impact. Female experts such as Ireayo Oladunjoye of Lagos Innovates (LSETF), Lanre Adeoye, and Dammy Soyombo of Skooqs contributed to the discussions on community transformation through technology.
In her address, Bamisedun emphasised the importance of equitable access to technology as a foundation for Africa’s digital future. Comparing the unifying power of football to that of gaming, she noted that digital platforms like FIFA on PlayStation already demonstrate how shared experiences can build connections across cultures and borders.
“There is a huge knowledge gap and that is an opportunity for every young person here today to consider and position for the future of work,” she said. “Remain curious and give yourselves a chance to learn something, create many things, and contribute immeasurably. You have the power to shape the future using technology — embrace it.”
Bamisedun challenged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods by integrating gamified learning into classrooms. During the interactive session, students from secondary schools across Lagos developed prototype games addressing sustainability challenges such as waste management, renewable energy, and water conservation.
Educators present at the session commended her approach for inspiring students to engage creatively with real-world problems. “She made sustainability come alive for them, and our students are already doing it,” said one teacher.
Reflecting on the experience, Bamisedun shared her admiration for one participant from the Wifi Combat Academy, who showcased a web application using predictive gaming to support climate action and weather forecasting for farmers. “The future is bright and the young minds are thinking in the right direction beyond the classroom,” she said.
As digital transformation reshapes the continent, Bamisedun’s work underscores the growing link between sustainability and technology. Her advocacy for gamification and digital inclusion represents a broader movement toward empowering African youth to learn, innovate, and lead through creativity and purpose.
