Meta Partners with Nigerian Government to Launch AI Training Program

Meta has announced the launch of AI Academy Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and other key organizations. This initiative aims to provide practical AI training, development opportunities, and startup support for Nigerian talent.

Three-Pronged Approach

The academy will operate through three distinct streams:

  1. AI Skills Development: Open to the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) community, this track offers free courses on generative AI fundamentals using Meta’s models like Llama and Prompt Engineering with Llama 2 & 3.
  2. Startup Pitchathon: Early-stage startups leveraging Meta’s AI technologies can compete for funding by pitching their solutions at GITEX Nigeria on September 3rd.
  3. Developer Bootcamp: A six-week intensive program delivered by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) focusing on hands-on development with access to Meta’s expert network.

Prizes & Opportunities

The top performers in the AI Skills Development track will be eligible for scholarships towards Meta Blueprint certifications and up to $5,000 in advertising credits. Pitchathon winners will each receive $5,000 cash funding and $2,000 in Meta advertising credits, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Istanbul, Türkiye, to pitch at Meta’s AI Summit in November.

Expert Perspectives

“This partnership will equip Nigerian developers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with practical AI skills while creating pathways for startups to compete globally,” said Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy.

Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy at Meta for Anglophone West Africa, noted that Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most dynamic AI talent but needs greater access to training and funding.

Applications for the Startup Pitchathon are open until August 21st.