# Meta launches AI Academy South Africa with free training and startup funding

Digest AI · Enterprise & Industry · published 2026-10-19T14:47:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/meta-launches-ai-academy-south-africa-with-free-training-and-startup-f

## Summary

Meta announced the AI Academy South Africa, a joint effort with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). The programme offers two free tracks: an eight‑week virtual AI Masterclass that teaches participants to build applications with Meta’s AI models, and an AI start‑up pitch competition.

Ten shortlisted start‑ups will present their ideas in Johannesburg on 30 October. Two winners will each receive more than R82 000 in equity‑free funding and a fully sponsored trip to Meta’s AI Summit in Türkiye. The competition and masterclass are designed to equip developers, students, start‑ups and young professionals with practical AI skills.

Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Southern Africa, Thabo Makenete, said the initiative aims to unlock local potential, while DCDT’s acting chief director Craig Meyer said it will help South Africans become creators rather than consumers of AI. The launch coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans to lead a delegation to Silicon Valley and Minister Solly Malatsi’s rollout of cyberlabs in Nelson Mandela Bay schools.

## Key points

- Meta and DCDT launch AI Academy SA, offering a free eight‑week virtual masterclass and a start‑up pitch competition.
- Ten start‑ups will pitch in Johannesburg on 30 Oct; two winners get > R82 000 equity‑free funding and a trip to Meta’s AI Summit in Türkiye.
- The programme targets developers, students, start‑ups and young professionals to build practical AI skills.

## Why it matters

Free AI training and seed funding can grow local talent and startups, strengthening South Africa’s digital economy and expanding Meta’s ecosystem on the continent.

## Sources

1. [Meta launches AI Academy SA, offering free training and startup funding](https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/meta-launches-ai-academy-sa-offering-free-training-startup-funding) (citizen.co.za, 2026-10-19)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Meta launches AI Academy South Africa with free training and startup funding", 19 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/meta-launches-ai-academy-south-africa-with-free-training-and-startup-f

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