Meta has partnered with South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to launch a free AI training programme for developers, students, startups and early-career professionals.
AI Academy South Africa offers two tracks: a pitch competition for early-stage AI startups and an eight-week masterclass covering artificial intelligence (AI) fundamentals, generative AI, prompt engineering and application development using Meta’s AI models.
Startup competition offers funding and international exposure
The AI Academy Pitchathon is open to South African early-stage startups using Meta’s AI technologies to address real-world problems. Applicants must have a working prototype or a clear product direction.
A review panel will shortlist 10 entries, with the founders pitching their ideas in Johannesburg on 30 October 2026.
Two winners will each receive R82,293.15 in equity-free funding and an all-expenses-paid trip to Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 24 and 25 November. The event will bring together startups and ecosystem leaders from Africa, the Middle East and Türkiye.
Applications for the competition close on 20 October 2026.
Eight-week AI masterclass
The second track is an eight-week masterclass delivered through virtual instructor-led sessions. It is open to students, developers and professionals across South Africa.
The programme covers AI foundations, generative AI and prompt engineering, progressing to building applications with Meta’s AI models. Enrolment is open until January 2027.
Meta says the initiative aims to expand access to practical AI skills and support the development of South Africa’s technology and startup ecosystem.
“South Africa is home to incredible talent, and through the AI Academy we are equipping South Africans with the skills, tools and opportunities to build solutions that create real economic value,” said Thabo Makenete, head of public policy for Southern Africa at Meta.
Craig Meyer, acting chief director of emerging technologies and digital innovation at the DCDT, said the partnership aims to help developers, students and emerging businesses use AI to solve real-world challenges and create economic opportunities.
He added that the collaboration supports the department’s goal of building an inclusive digital economy in which South African innovators develop AI solutions rather than simply consume existing technologies.
Applications are open at https://events.atmeta.com/aiacademysouthafrica.
