Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026

Applications are now open for the Third Edition of the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026, a flagship continental initiative designed to advance Africa’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and emerging technologies.

Co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Ele-vate AI Africa, the competition provides a platform for young African innovators to showcase groundbreaking AI and robotics solutions that address real-world challenges across key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, mining, education, climate action, fintech, governance, and industrial development.

Hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the 2026 competition aims to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting youth-led technological solutions that contribute to economic growth, job creation, industrialisation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

The initiative forms part of the African Union's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034) and serves as a catalyst for innovation, skills development, entrepreneurship, and investment readiness among Africa’s next generation of technology leaders.

Participants gain access to a high-profile continental platform that connects innovators with policymakers, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners while creating pathways for commercialisation, partnerships, and international recognition.

Prize and Recognition Benefits

The competition offers participants the opportunity to:

• Showcase innovative AI and robotics solutions at a continental level
• Gain visibility among investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovation stakeholders
• Access networking and partnership opportunities
• Receive continental recognition from AUDA-NEPAD and partner organisations
• Present solutions with potential for commercialisation and scaling
• Contribute to Africa's digital transformation and industrialisation agenda

Additional recognition includes:

• Finalists will be publicly announced on 17 September 2026
• Presidential Award finalists will receive global recognition during the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit
• Participation in the Presidential Awards Ceremony in October 2026

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to:

• African youth aged 15 to 35 years
• Individual innovators
• Student innovators
• Researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Startups
• Youth-led organisations
• Innovation teams and groups

Applicants under the age of 18 must provide written parental or legal guardian consent.

Both individual and team submissions are accepted.

For group submissions, the application must be submitted by the team leader and clearly identify all team members involved in the project.

Eligible Countries

The competition is open to youth from all African Union Member States.

Eligible countries include, but are not limited to:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

And all other recognised African Union Member States across the continent.

Competition Categories

Applicants may submit projects under the following categories:

AI and Innovation in Mining

AI and robotics solutions that improve sustainability, safety, efficiency, and productivity within the mining sector.

Futuristic FinTech Solutions

Innovations that promote ethical, inclusive, efficient, and sustainable financial services and technologies.

Best Robotics Design

Creative robotics projects designed to solve practical challenges and improve productivity within African contexts.

AI and Robotics Healthcare Solutions

Technologies that improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics, treatment, accessibility, and health system efficiency.

Education Enhancement

AI and robotics initiatives that improve teaching, learning, skills development, and educational accessibility.

Ethical AI

Projects focused on responsible, transparent, fair, and ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

AI and Robotics Agricultural Solutions

Innovations that improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, food security, and climate resilience.

Community Impact and Good Governance Innovation

Technology-driven solutions that strengthen governance, public services, civic participation, and community development.

Construction and Architecture Innovation

Projects introducing transformative technologies and efficiencies within construction and built environment sectors.

Climate Action Technology

Solutions addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, and environmental resilience.

Quantum Computing and Open Category

Quantum computing innovations and emerging technology projects that do not fit within the specified categories.

Presidential Award

The competition's highest honour, recognising transformative innovations with significant potential to drive inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation and originality
• Functionality and technical quality
• Potential impact
• Scalability
• Sustainability
• Relevance to African development priorities
• Demonstrated proof of concept
• Ethical and responsible technology use

All submissions must be original work. Plagiarism, misrepresentation, or failure to demonstrate ownership of the innovation may result in disqualification.

Important Dates

Applications Open: 10 February 2026

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026 (21:45 GMT)

Finalists Announced: 17 September 2026

Presidential Awards Ceremony: 12–13 October 2026

Virtual Awards Ceremony: October 2026

Click HERE to visit the official website