Nigeria’s Safari City wins Africa’s Most Impactful Mobile Game award at GIAA 2025
Safari City is recognised for its innovative gameplay and culturally rich renovation experience, earning the Most Impactful Mobile Game title.
Nigeria.- Nigeria’s Safari City: Renovate and Design has been named the Most Impactful Mobile Game at the 2025 Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA), the continent’s premier celebration of gaming excellence. The annual awards shine a spotlight on African creativity and innovation across game development, publishing, esports and interactive entertainment.
Developed by Maliyo Games, Safari City combines match three puzzle challenges with imaginative home renovation gameplay, allowing players to restore and redesign properties across bustling African cities. Its modular progression system enables players to earn resources through puzzles and unlock new design elements, blending strategy with storytelling to keep gamers engaged.
Hugo Obi, Founder and CEO of Maliyo Games, said: “We’re proud to tell African stories through our games, built by African developers for a global audience.” He highlighted the game’s African cultural roots and global relevance, reinforcing why it earned recognition at GIAA 2025.
Marvelous Akinkunmi, 3D artist at Maliyo Games, said: “Our goal was to make Safari City feel familiar to African players. The colours, the structures, even the patterns are drawn from local inspiration.”
Players have also praised the immersive experience. “Safari City has become my go to game. The puzzles are fun, but it’s the personal stories and cultural details that make each renovation feel meaningful,” said a player.
With its innovative design, culturally rooted content and engaging gameplay, Nigeria’s Safari City: Renovate and Design demonstrates why it deserved the top mobile gaming accolade at GIAA 2025, cementing Maliyo Games’ status as a leader in Africa’s gaming revolution.
