Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you enroll, while you’re in the AI School, and once your team starts building.
General
What is the ATF AI Challenge?+
A pan-African, hands-on AI programme for students and recent graduates in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. You learn AI for free in the AI School, join a team, and build a solution to a real local problem.
Who runs the programme?+
The African Technology Forum (ATF), with support from Google.org and mentors and partners across all four countries.
Does it cost anything?+
No. The programme is fully funded. It costs you nothing but your time and commitment.
Enrolling
Who can enroll?+
University students and recent graduates (up to 3 years out of school) based in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or South Africa. You don’t need any AI or coding experience.
When does enrollment close?+
Enrollment is open until 30 November 2026. Enroll by 15 November to join Cohort 2, or by 30 November to join Cohort 3.
I’ve already enrolled. Do I need to enroll again?+
No, you’re already in. Focus on finishing the AI School by your cohort’s deadline so your team can submit its proposal.
How soon can I start learning?+
Enrollment is rolling. New learners are added to the AI School platform twice a week, so you can start within days of enrolling.
I don’t code. Can I still take part?+
Yes. Code labs are optional, and no-code tutorial videos teach the same content without any coding background.
The AI School
How long does the AI School take?+
About 1–2 weeks if you set aside around two hours a day.
When do I need to finish the AI School?+
It depends on your cohort: Cohort 1 (already enrolled): Friday 27 November 2026 Cohort 2 (enrolled by 15 Nov): Monday 14 December 2026 Cohort 3 (enrolled by 30 Nov): Wednesday 30 December 2026
Will I receive a certificate?+
Yes. Everyone who completes the AI School requirements receives a certificate.
Teams and building
Do I need a team before I enroll?+
No. Enroll with your team or on your own. If you don’t have a team, we’ll match you with teammates.
When can I join a team?+
Once you’re halfway through the AI School. Team registration runs: Cohort 1: 2–13 November 2026 Cohort 2: 30 November – 11 December 2026 Cohort 3: 11–22 January 2027
What if a teammate hasn’t finished the AI School?+
Your team can’t submit its proposal until every member has finished the AI School, so help each other get over the line.
What problems will teams work on?+
Real problem briefs from partner organisations in sectors including health, education, agriculture, mining and manufacturing, legal, public services, logistics and more.
When does building start, and when is the MVP due?+
Cohort 1: build starts 7 December 2026, MVP due 19 March 2027 Cohort 2: build starts 18 January 2027, MVP due 16 April 2027 Cohort 3: build starts 15 February 2027, MVP due 30 April 2027
Is mentorship included?+
Yes. Top teams are matched with experienced mentors to strengthen their MVPs and get ready to pitch.
Prize and Demo Day
How does the $10,000 prize work?+
Each country has a $10,000 prize pool, shared between the top three teams: 1st place: $5,000 2nd place: $3,000 3rd place: $2,000
When are judging and Demo Day?+
All MVPs are due by 30 April 2027. Judging takes place in May 2027, and the best teams pitch at Demo Days in Accra, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg in June 2027.
Getting help
Who do I contact if I’m stuck?+
Email info@africantechnologyforum.org and the ATF AI Challenge Team will get back to you. You can also ask in your university’s WhatsApp group.
Where do participants connect with each other?+
On our Discord campus and in the ATF WhatsApp Community, which has a group for each university.