About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026 is a continental innovation initiative led by Ele-vate AI Africa in collaboration with the African Union development ecosystem.
It is designed to position Africa as a global leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by empowering young innovators working in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies.
The competition is co-convened with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and supported by multiple governments and strategic partners across the continent.
Overview of the 2026 Edition
The third edition of the competition will be hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through its Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Egypt’s leadership in digital transformation and AI readiness provides a strategic foundation for this continental innovation showcase.
Communications & Media Studies
The programme builds on previous editions, including the 2025 final showcase held in South Africa, which was aligned with major international events such as the G20 AI in Africa Conference. The competition continues to expand its influence as a platform for youth-driven technological innovation across Africa’s 55 African Union member states.
Purpose of the Competition
The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting youth-led solutions in artificial intelligence and robotics. It serves as both a competition and a continental development platform that connects young innovators with policymakers, industry leaders, and investors.
Its broader mission is to:
Promote AI and robotics innovation across Africa
Support skills development for the digital economy
Strengthen industrialisation and intra-African trade
Encourage inclusive technological growth
Align innovation with Agenda 2063 development goals
The programme is also formally aligned with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034).
Scale and Impact
The competition has rapidly grown into one of Africa’s largest youth innovation platforms.
Previous editions recorded:
Over 1,008 submissions in 2024
More than 3,257 submissions in 2025
Participation from innovators across all 55 African Union member states
The growing participation reflects increasing youth engagement in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies across the continent.
Competition Categories
The 2026 edition features 12 innovation categories designed to address critical development areas in Africa. These include:
AI and Innovation in Mining
Futuristic FinTech Solutions
Best Robotics Design
AI and Robotics Healthcare Solutions
Education Enhancement Technologies
Ethical AI Systems
Agricultural AI and Robotics Solutions
Community Impact and Governance Innovation
Construction and Architecture Innovation
Climate Action Technology
Quantum Computing and Emerging Technologies
Presidential Award (Grand Prize Category)
Each category encourages participants to develop practical, scalable solutions tailored to Africa’s socioeconomic needs.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to:
African youth aged 15 to 35 years
Individuals or teams from any African Union member state
Participants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent
Applicants are required to submit original projects aligned with competition guidelines. Group entries must clearly identify all team members and be submitted by a designated group leader.
How to apply