By Juliet Umeh

Meta has unveiled the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program, a $2 million initiative to support organisations using AI to tackle global challenges.

The programme aims to empower innovators in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey to leverage the power of Llama 3.1, Meta’s advanced large language model, for social good.

Selected organisations will receive up to $500,000 in funding to develop AI-driven solutions addressing critical issues such as economic development, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. Meta will also host regional events and provide mentorship to support grant applicants.

Vice-President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, Kojo Boakye, said: “We’re inspired by the diverse projects we’ve seen developers undertake around the world to positively impact their communities by building with Llama.

“We believe AI has more potential than any other modern technology to increase human productivity, creativity, and quality of life—and to accelerate economic growth while unlocking progress in medical and scientific research. The Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program presents an opportunity to further empower organisations to leverage AI for social good and to drive meaningful change.

“To support prospective applicants, Meta will host a series of regional events, including virtual events, in-person hackathons, workshops, and training sessions in Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America, North America, Pakistan, Singapore, Sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

“These events will provide technical guidance and mentorship, fostering the development of impactful applications of Llama 3.1 in local contexts. Organisations participating in these events will be eligible for additional specialised awards of up to 100,000 USD.

The programme builds on the success of the inaugural Llama Impact Grants, which received over 800 applications from 90 countries. Applications for the Llama 3.1 Impact Grants are open until November 22, 2024.