The African Technology Forum (ATF) is calling on university students and recent graduates across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to join the ATF AI Challenge — the continent’s largest hands-on Artificial Intelligence program. The program is fully funded and costs you nothing.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 Location: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa (Virtual) Cost: Fully Free
About the ATF AI Challenge
Africa needs AI creators, not just consumers. The ATF AI Challenge is on a mission to upskill 15,000 young African leaders by providing world-class curriculum, mentorship, and technology — all at zero cost. Whether you are a coder, designer, or problem-solver, this is your launchpad.
How It Works
Phase 1 – The AI School (June – July 2026) Join a 4-week intensive virtual bootcamp designed for all skill levels. You will learn AI ethics, Python fundamentals, and Prompt Engineering from world-class experts. Participants earn an industry-recognized certificate and access premium learning content.
Phase 2 – The AI Challenge (August 2026 – April 2027) Form a team and apply your skills to solve real challenges in Health, Agriculture, or Finance. The top 1,000 teams get matched with expert mentors and receive free cloud/compute credits to build a functional prototype (MVP).
Phase 3 – Demo Day (May 2027) The best teams pitch live at Regional Demo Days in Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Present your solution to top investors, corporate partners, and employers. Win cash prizes, funding opportunities, and fast-track access to jobs and internships.
Why You Should Join
- World-class curriculum designed by leading AI experts
- Pan-African network — collaborate with peers across 4 countries on a dedicated Discord campus
- Career acceleration — top participants get fast-tracked into internship pipelines with corporate partners
- Fully funded — zero cost, just your time and dedication
Who Can Apply?
- Based in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, or South Africa
- A university student or recent graduate (0–3 years out of school)
- Passionate about technology — no prior AI coding experience required for the beginner track
- Available to commit 5–10 hours per week during the AI School
Key Dates
- Applications Close: May 31, 2026
- AI School Begins: June 15, 2026
- Challenge Phase Kick-off: August 2026
- Demo Day Finals: May 2027
How to Apply
Apply Now – ATF AI Challenge 2026 before May 31, 2026.
