Meta partners with FG to launch AI Academy Nigeria, offers startup funding
Meta has teamed up with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, through its 3 Million Technical Talent programme and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, plus Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria, to launch AI Academy Nigeria. The initiative aims to boost the country’s AI talent pipeline and innovation ecosystem by giving developers, startups, students and early‑career professionals practical AI training, technical learning and startup support.
The programme features three tracks: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon and a six‑week Developer Bootcamp. For the Pitchathon, early‑stage Nigerian startups that use Meta’s AI technologies can apply until August 21, 2026. Ten will be shortlisted to pitch at GITEX Nigeria on September 3, with two winners each receiving $5,000 in cash, $2,000 in Meta advertising credits and an all‑expenses‑paid trip to represent Nigeria at the AI Summit by Meta in Istanbul from November 23 to 24, 2026.
The launch comes as Google and World Bank reports highlight Nigeria’s rising AI adoption—showing the country on par with the United States in business AI use and emerging as a global leader in AI across learning, work and entrepreneurship. However, an expert warns that without strong regulatory guardrails and ‘AI Diplomacy’, Nigeria risks undermining the technology’s economic potential.
Will you apply for the Pitchathon, join the Bootcamp or explore the Skills Development track to build your AI capabilities and tap into Nigeria’s growing AI economy?