- Meta, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has launched the AI Academy Nigeria to strengthen artificial intelligence skills and support the growth of locally developed AI solutions.
- The AI Academy will offer practical AI training and support for startups.
- Applications for the AI Startup Pitchathon close on August 21, 2026.
- The winners will receive $5,000 in funding and an opportunity to pitch at the AI Summit in Istanbul on November 23-24, 2026.
- The AI Academy Nigeria initiative aims to build a stronger domestic AI ecosystem, focusing on helping innovators develop businesses and products around AI technology.
- Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that the partnership would equip Nigerian developers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with practical AI skills.
- Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy at Meta, emphasized that Nigeria has significant AI talent but requires greater access to practical training and funding.
Meta has launched AI Academy Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aiming to enhance local AI skills and foster startup growth. The initiative is part of a broader effort to build a robust domestic AI ecosystem.126
The academy will provide practical AI training, technical learning, and startup support through three tracks: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon, and a six-week Developer Bootcamp. The AI Startup Pitchathon will allow early-stage startups to showcase solutions that address real-world problems, with applications closing on August 21, 2026.3
The top two startups will receive $5,000 in equity-free cash funding and $2,000 in Meta advertising credits. Additionally, they will have the chance to represent Nigeria at the AI Summit by Meta in Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled for November 23-24, 2026.458
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the partnership aims to equip Nigerian developers and entrepreneurs with practical AI skills, creating pathways for innovation and globally competitive startups. Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy at Meta, noted that while Nigeria has significant AI talent, there is a need for greater access to training and funding to develop impactful solutions.7
This initiative represents a shift from merely teaching AI usage to fostering the development of businesses and products around the technology, marking a significant step in Nigeria's AI landscape.
“The AI Academy will provide three tracks: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon, and a six-week Developer Bootcamp, aimed at enhancing practical AI skills. Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized that this initiative will create pathways for innovation and help develop globally competitive startups in Nigeria.”
The Sun Nigeria
MSME Africa
