Second Key Animation Online Course 2026: Free Anime Training for Africans
- Study in
- Online (African citizens and residents)
- Levels
- Online course
- Funding
- Free
- Covers
- Five recorded anime lessons, practice assignments, mentoring, referral of top performers to Japanese anime studios
- Who can apply
- African citizens or residents of an African country, 18 or older, with a digital illustration or animation portfolio
- Run by
- Triggerfish Academy with UNDP South Africa (timbuktoo) and Arc & Beyond, funded by the Government of Japan
On this page
The Second Key Animation Online Course is a free training course for African animators who want to work in Japanese-style 2D animation. It is run by Triggerfish Academy, the training arm of the Cape Town animation studio Triggerfish, with UNDP South Africa through its timbuktoo platform and Arc & Beyond, a nonprofit set up by the Sony Group. The Government of Japan funds it. There are 100 places, and the strongest students may be put forward to leading Japanese anime studios.
Status: Open, closes 1 November 2026 at 23:59 South Africa time. That is 22:59 in Lagos and 00:59 on 2 November in Nairobi. Applications opened on 13 October 2026, and the course runs from November to December 2026 (checked October 30, 2026).
What the course covers
- Five recorded lessons in English, about 2 hours 50 minutes in total, with practice work between lessons.
- Lessons designed by Japanese anime professionals Chiharu Akakura, Megumi Okawa, Yuki Yoshida and Rikako Nakano.
- Mentoring from Megumi Okawa.
- A route into the industry: top performers are put forward to leading Japanese anime studios. A job is not promised.
The course is free. The official page does not mention a stipend or a certificate.
Who can apply
- You are 18 or older and want to work in the animation industry.
- You are an African citizen or you live in an African country. Nigerians, Ghanaians and Kenyans can apply. Indians can apply only if they live in an African country.
- You have a digital illustration or animation portfolio or showreel.
- You can follow instructions in English.
- You have reliable internet, a digital drawing device and a computer that can run 2D animation software.
- You do not use generative AI. It is not allowed in your portfolio or in your assignment drawings.
Key details
| Run by | Triggerfish Academy, UNDP South Africa (timbuktoo) and Arc & Beyond |
|---|---|
| Funded by | Government of Japan |
| Cost | Free |
| Places | 100 |
| Format | Online, five recorded lessons in English |
| Course dates | November to December 2026 |
| Deadline | 1 November 2026, 23:59 South Africa time |
| Contact | ac*****@*********sh.com |
How to apply
- Read the rules on the official course page.
- Download the entry assignment pack and complete the task by hand on your drawing device.
- Prepare a link to your portfolio or showreel.
- Fill in the application form and upload your work before the deadline.
Tips before you apply
- Start the entry assignment today. The deadline is very close.
- Show clean line work and clear movement. Key animation is about strong drawings at the main poses.
- Leave out any AI-made images, even in older portfolio pieces.
- Test your internet and software before you submit large files.
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Details are taken from the official Triggerfish Academy website, checked on October 30, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.
