Meta has launched AI Academy Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the initiative is designed to give Nigerian developers, students, startups and early-career professionals practical AI training, technical development opportunities and startup support, strengthening the country’s growing digital talent pipeline.
The programme runs across three streams: AI Skills Development, a Startup Pitchathon and a Developer Bootcamp. The Skills Development track, open to the 3MTT community, offers free courses on generative AI fundamentals and building applications with Meta’s AI models, delivered through Coursera, DeepLearning.AI and DataCamp.
Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, said Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most dynamic AI talent, noting that founders and developers need greater access to practical training, funding and platforms to build impactful solutions.
Dr Olushola Ayoola, founder and chief executive of RAIN, said building Nigeria’s AI capacity requires coordinated effort among stakeholders, describing the partnership with Meta, the ministry and 3MTT as a step in that direction.
The Pitchathon track, open to startups and teams building solutions with Meta’s AI technologies, is currently accepting applications, with shortlisted participants set to pitch live at GITEX Nigeria and compete for equity-free funding.
The partnership builds on Nigeria’s broader ambition, first outlined in its 2023 National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, to position the country as a leading AI hub in Africa.
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