Meta has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), through its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), alongside Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), to launch AI Academy Nigeria.

 

The national capacity-building initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s artificial intelligence talent pipeline and support the growth of the country’s AI innovation ecosystem.

The partnership will provide developers, startups, students and early-career professionals with access to practical AI training, technical learning and startup support.

Speaking on the initiative, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the partnership would equip developers, entrepreneurs and young professionals with practical AI skills while creating pathways for innovation and the development of globally competitive startups.

“Through this partnership, we are equipping developers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with practical AI skills while creating pathways for innovation and globally competitive startups,” Tijani said.

He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s AI ecosystem through public-private partnerships and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.

Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, said Nigeria has significant AI talent but requires greater access to practical training, funding and platforms to develop impactful solutions.

“Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most dynamic AI talent. What many founders and developers need is greater access to practical training, funding and platforms to build impactful solutions,” Dada said.

She said AI Academy Nigeria was designed to equip more Nigerians with AI skills while creating opportunities for promising startups to move from the local market to regional platforms.

Dr. Olushola Ayoola, Founder and CEO of RAIN, said the initiative demonstrates the potential of coordinated efforts among government, technology companies and local innovation organisations.

“Building Nigeria’s AI capacity requires the kind of coordinated effort we are seeing here,” Ayoola said.

Startups to Compete for Funding

AI Academy Nigeria will be delivered through three tracks: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon and a six-week Developer Bootcamp.

The AI Startup Pitchathon will give early-stage Nigerian startups using Meta’s AI technologies an opportunity to showcase solutions addressing real-world problems.

Applications for the pitchathon close on August 21, 2026. Ten startups will then be shortlisted to pitch at GITEX Nigeria on September 3.

The two winning startups will each receive $5,000 in cash funding and $2,000 in Meta advertising credits.

They will also receive an all-expenses-paid opportunity to represent Nigeria and pitch at the AI Summit by Meta in Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled for November 23–24, 2026.

The launch of AI Academy Nigeria comes as Nigeria continues to gain recognition for its growing adoption of artificial intelligence across learning, work and entrepreneurship.

The initiative is expected to expand access to practical AI skills while creating new opportunities for Nigerian developers and startups to build solutions capable of competing beyond the local market.