Brief
Meta launches free AI Academy for South African developers and students
The AI Academy South Africa provides a pitch competition for early‑stage startups and an eight‑week masterclass for developers, students and professionals.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Meta has teamed up with South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to roll out a free AI training programme for developers, students, startups and early‑career professionals.
The AI Academy South Africa, announced on 19 Oct 2026, offers two tracks: a pitch competition for early‑stage AI startups and an eight‑week virtual masterclass covering AI fundamentals, generative AI, prompt engineering and building applications with Meta’s models.
The Pitchathon will shortlist ten entries, with founders presenting in Johannesburg on 30 Oct 2026; two winners will each receive R82,293.15 in equity‑free funding and a trip to Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul on 24‑25 Nov. Applications close on 20 Oct 2026.
The masterclass enrolment remains open until January 2027. Meta says the initiative aims to expand practical AI skills and support South Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Key facts
- Meta partnered with South Africa's DCDT to launch a free AI training programme. (bizcommunity.com)
- The AI Academy offers a pitch competition and an eight‑week masterclass. (bizcommunity.com)
- Pitchathon finalists will present in Johannesburg on 30 Oct 2026, with two winners receiving R82,293.15 and a trip to Meta's AI Summit. (bizcommunity.com)
- Masterclass enrolment is open until January 2027. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Meta opens AI skills programme to SA developers and students”
