Meta has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to launch AI Academy Nigeria, a national initiative aimed at developing artificial intelligence talent and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s AI innovation ecosystem.
The partnership, implemented through the ministry’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), also involves Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
According to a statement issued by the partners on Monday, the initiative will provide developers, startups, students and early-career professionals with practical AI training, technical learning opportunities and startup support.
The 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.
Tijani said the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to building 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, Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, said Nigeria has a strong pool of AI talent but requires greater access to practical training, funding and platforms that can help developers and founders build impactful solutions.
She said AI Academy Nigeria was designed to expand access to AI skills while creating opportunities for promising startups to grow from the Nigerian market to regional platforms.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RAIN, Dr Olushola Ayoola, said the initiative demonstrates the potential of collaboration between government, technology companies and local innovation organisations in building Nigeria’s AI capacity.
Startups to Compete for $5,000 FundingAI Academy Nigeria will be delivered through three major 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 designed to address real-world problems.According to the partners, applications for the Pitchathon close on August 21, 2026, after which 10 startups will be shortlisted to pitch their solutions at GITEX Nigeria on September 3.
The two winning startups will each receive $5,000 in cash funding, in addition to $2,000 worth of Meta advertising credits.The winners will also receive an all-expenses-paid opportunity to represent Nigeria and pitch at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled for November 23 and 24, 2026.
The launch comes amid growing adoption of artificial intelligence in Nigeria, with recent reports highlighting increasing use of AI tools in learning, work, entrepreneurship and business.The World Bank has also identified Nigeria and Kenya among African countries where AI adoption by businesses has risen sharply in recent years.
The development further underscores the growing focus on strengthening Nigeria’s AI talent, innovation and digital economy as businesses, government institutions and young technology professionals increasingly explore the potential of artificial intelligence.