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Meta, This Is Digital Launch AI Academy to Equip Kenyan Talent
Meta has partnered with African AI accelerator This Is Digital to launch the Meta AI Academy Kenya.
The programme aims to equip Kenyan students, developers, startups, small business owners and professionals with practical AI skills.
The academy will officially launch on September 11, 2026. It will combine developer training, startup acceleration and AI Masterclasses.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen Kenya’s growing digital economy by giving local talent practical tools to build and apply AI solutions.
Startups to Pitch AI Solutions
The programme will feature an AI Pitchathon for Kenyan startups and developers.
Participants building solutions with Meta’s AI technologies will pitch their ideas live in Nairobi.
They will compete for equity-free funding and an opportunity to pitch at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, in November 2026.
Applications for the Pitchathon remain open until September 30, 2026.
The Pitchathon will take place on October 15.
Eight Weeks of Practical AI Training
The academy will also offer an eight-week AI Masterclass.
The curriculum will cover AI fundamentals, prompt engineering and AI for research and knowledge work.
Participants will also learn how to use AI for documents, reporting, communication and productivity.
The programme targets professionals, students and other users who want to build practical AI skills for work and business.
Applications for the Masterclass close on October 31, 2026. Training starts on November 3.
Building Local AI Talent
The partnership combines Meta’s AI tools with This Is Digital’s experience in workforce enablement and AI transformation.
This Is Digital was founded on International AI Appreciation Day in 2025. Since then, the organisation has trained more than 800 AI Champions across more than 10 countries.
Mercy Ndegwa, Public Policy Director, East Africa at Meta, said Kenya’s next wave of AI innovation will come from local builders.
“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,” Ndegwa said.
She added that the initiative will help local communities build solutions suited to the Kenyan market.
Creating Opportunities Through AI
Gregory Wanjama, CEO of This Is Digital, said the partnership will help more Kenyans participate in the AI economy.
“Our mission has always been to ensure everyone across Africa gets a seat at the AI table,” Wanjama said.
He added that the partnership will empower professionals, startups and students with skills for productivity, innovation and economic growth.
Grace Murugi, Chief AI and Digital Strategist at This Is Digital, said the academy will also emphasise responsible AI use.
She said the programme will translate complex AI concepts into accessible applications while promoting ethical leadership.
According to Murugi, this approach can help Kenya’s ecosystem develop homegrown intellectual property with global potential.
Meta, This Is Digital Launch AI Academy to Equip Kenyan Talent
Applications Now Open
Kenyan startups, developers, students and professionals can apply for the respective programmes.
The AI Pitchathon deadline is September 30, while the event takes place on October 15.
For the AI Masterclass, applications close on October 31, with training starting on November 3.
Interested applicants can register through the official AI Academy Kenya application page. AI Academy Kenya registration
The partnership comes as AI adoption continues to create new opportunities for businesses and professionals.
For Kenya, the focus is increasingly shifting from understanding AI to building practical skills and solutions around it.
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