Meta, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has launched AI Academy Nigeria, a national initiative aimed at developing Nigeria’s artificial intelligence talent pipeline and strengthening the country’s digital innovation ecosystem.
The programme is being implemented through the ministry’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
According to the partners, the academy will provide developers, startups, students and early-career professionals with practical artificial intelligence training, technical learning and opportunities for startup development.
The initiative will operate through three major tracks: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon and a six-week Developer Bootcamp.
The AI Startup Pitchathon will focus on early-stage Nigerian startups using Meta’s AI technologies to develop solutions to real-world challenges. Applications for the pitchathon close on August 21, 2026, while 10 startups will be shortlisted to pitch at GITEX Nigeria on September 3.
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 at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, in November.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the partnership would equip young Nigerians with practical AI skills while creating pathways for innovation and globally competitive startups.
He said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s AI ecosystem through public-private partnerships and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, said Nigeria has a strong pool of AI talent but requires greater access to practical training, funding and platforms to translate ideas into impactful solutions.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RAIN, Dr Olushola Ayoola, also described the collaboration as an example of how government, technology companies and local innovation organisations can work together to expand Nigeria’s AI capabilities.
The launch comes amid growing adoption of artificial intelligence in Nigeria, with recent reports pointing to increased use of AI tools by individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs.
The AI Academy is therefore expected to move beyond basic skills acquisition by linking training with product development, startup funding and international exposure, giving participants opportunities to turn AI knowledge into commercially viable solutions.
