AI Academy South Africa has launched through a partnership between Meta and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), offering free training and a funding opportunity for local AI startups.
Announced on 19 October 2026, the programme targets developers, startups, students and early-career professionals. It aims to help South Africans build practical skills and develop solutions using Meta’s AI models.
The Academy offers two tracks: a startup pitch competition and an eight-week virtual AI Masterclass. Both are available at no cost to participants.
Applications for the startup Pitchathon close today, 20 October 2026. Masterclass enrolment is open until January 2027, according to the announcement.
AI Academy South Africa offers startup funding
The AI Academy Pitchathon invites early-stage South African startups to demonstrate how they are using AI to solve real-world problems.
Applicants should be building with Meta’s AI technologies and have either a working prototype or a clear product direction.
A review panel will shortlist ten entries. The selected founders will then pitch live in Johannesburg on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Two winners will each receive:
- R82 293,15 in equity-free funding.
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye.
- An opportunity to connect with startups and ecosystem leaders from Africa, the Middle East and Türkiye.
The summit takes place on 24 and 25 November 2026. Equity-free funding means the winners will not give up an ownership stake in exchange for the prize money.
What the free AI Masterclass covers
Alongside the competition, AI Academy South Africa offers an eight-week Masterclass for students, developers and professionals across the country.
Participants will join virtual, instructor-led sessions covering:
- AI foundations.
- Generative AI.
- Prompt engineering.
- Building applications with Meta’s AI models.
The curriculum moves from understanding the fundamentals to applying that knowledge in practical development work.
According to the announcement, enrolment is open now and continues until January 2027. Prospective participants should check the registration page for available sessions and participation requirements.
Building South Africa’s AI skills
Thabo Makenete, Head of Public Policy, Southern Africa at Meta, said the Academy is designed to connect local talent with practical tools and opportunities.
“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,” he said.
Makenete added that the partnership with the DCDT would strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and help extend the benefits of AI to more communities.
For the department, the initiative also supports a broader ambition: enabling South Africans to help shape AI development.
Craig Meyer, Acting Chief Director: Emerging Technologies and Digital Innovation at the DCDT, said the collaboration aims to empower developers, students and emerging businesses to solve real-world challenges, develop locally relevant solutions and create economic opportunities.
He added that South African innovators should be active creators shaping the future of AI in the country and across the continent.
Why the opportunity matters for emerging businesses
For early-stage founders, the programme combines skills development with an opportunity to present their products and access funding.
The Masterclass provides a separate route for participants who want to develop their technical knowledge. Together, the two tracks could help more South Africans move from exploring AI tools to building applications around local needs.
The initiative also highlights how technology brands and public institutions can work together to support digital skills development.
For more learning opportunities, explore our guide to Google AI courses and online skills development.
How to apply for AI Academy South Africa
Visit the official AI Academy South Africa registration page to explore the two tracks and submit an application.
Startup founders should act promptly: Pitchathon applications close on 20 October 2026, ahead of the live Johannesburg pitches on 30 October.
Those interested in the eight-week Masterclass can use the same programme page to check enrolment details. According to Meta and the DCDT’s announcement, Masterclass enrolment continues until January 2027.
