Meta and This Is Digital launch AI Academy Kenya for developers and startups

Meta in partnership with African AI accelerator This Is Digital have launched the AI Academy Kenya, a new programme aimed at building practical artificial intelligence skills among Kenyan students, developers, startups, small business owners and professionals.

The academy, officially launched on September 11, will combine developer training, startup acceleration and AI Masterclasses as part of an effort to expand access to AI skills and support locally developed technology solutions.

The programme will have two main components: an AI Pitchathon for Kenyan startups and developers, followed by an eight-week AI Masterclass covering practical applications of artificial intelligence.

Applications for the AI Pitchathon are currently open, with the deadline set for September 30, 2026. The pitch competition will take place in Nairobi on October 15, 2026, giving selected participants an opportunity to present solutions built using Meta’s AI technologies.

Winners will compete for equity-free funding and an invitation to pitch at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, in November 2026.

The second component, the AI Masterclass, will begin on November 3, 2026, and run for eight weeks. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2026.

The training will cover areas including AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, AI for research and knowledge work, AI applications for documents, reporting and communication, as well as AI-powered productivity.

The collaboration brings together Meta’s AI tools and This Is Digital’s experience in workforce training and AI transformation. This Is Digital was founded on International AI Appreciation Day in 2025 and said it has trained more than 800 AI Champions across over 10 countries.

Speaking on the partnership, Mercy Ndegwa, Public Policy Director, East Africa at Meta, said local developers would play an important role in shaping the country’s AI ecosystem.

“That is why we are working with This Is Digital to put practical training and open models in the hands of Kenyan developers, students and small business owners, so that what gets built here is designed for this market by the people who understand it best.” She added.

“Our mission has always been to ensure everyone across Africa gets a seat at the AI table,” said Gregory Wanjama, CEO of This Is Digital. “Partnering with Meta allows us to scale our impact, empowering Kenyan professionals, startups, and students with actionable skills to drive real-world productivity, innovation, and economic growth.”

Grace Murugi, Chief AI & Digital Strategist at This Is Digital, noted that the academy would also place emphasis on responsible use of AI alongside technical skills.

“By translating complex AI concepts into accessible applications and emphasizing ethical, responsible leadership, this academy will enable Kenya’s ecosystem to create homegrown intellectual property that competes globally.”

Furthermore, through the AI Academy Kenya, Meta and This Is Digital are positioning practical AI education and local innovation as key areas of focus, while creating opportunities for Kenyan developers and startups to develop solutions for both local and international markets.

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