Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026 – YOA

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Applications are open for the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026. The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition is a flagship continental initiative advancing Africa’s management in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by means of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Emerging Technologies. Co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Ele-vate AI Africa, the initiative unites coverage, business, and innovation to empower Africa’s youth and speed up inclusive, know-how-pushed growth.

For the Third Edition (2026), they’re honoured to be hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by means of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). A continental and world chief in digital transformation, Egypt continues to set the tempo in AI readiness and innovation management, driving daring nationwide initiatives that strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem and advance digital industrialization at scale.

Building on the robust basis of earlier editions, together with the 2025 Final Showcase held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in partnership with the Government of South Africa by means of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and introduced alongside the G20 AI in Africa Conference, the competitors continues to evolve as a catalyst for affect.

Categories

• AI and Innovation in Mining: Projects specializing in groundbreaking functions of synthetic intelligence and Robotics to sustainably enhance the mining sector.
• Futuristic FinTech Solutions: Finance Projects, Tools and Innovations selling moral, inclusive and environment friendly finance practices while upholding environmental, social, and financial accountability.
• Best Robotics Design: Projects showcasing creativity in designing/constructing adaptable robotics for particular duties or challenges in a way that enhances effectivity by boosting human productiveness capability per activity tailor-made to the native African context.
• AI and Robotics Best Healthcare Solutions: Projects and Innovations leveraging AI and robotics to handle challenges, enhance effectivity and facilitate breakthroughs in healthcare.
• Education Enhancement: Initiatives utilizing AI or robotics to inclusively, sustainably and effectively enhance instructional providing and studying experiences for college students and educators.
• Ethical AI: Projects addressing moral issues in the event and application of AI.
• AI and Robotics Agricultural Solutions: Solutions enhancing effectivity and sustainability in the agriculture sector by means of AI and Robotics.
• Community Impact and Good Governance Innovation: Projects demonstrating a optimistic affect on native communities by means of AI or robotics.
• Innovation in the Construction and Architecture business: Projects demonstrating a optimistic affect and revolutionary effectivity in the fields of Construction and Architecture.
• Climate Action Technology: Projects demonstrating a sustainability and effectivity in addressing the opposed results of Climate Change for a extra inclusive, progressive and sustainable future.
• Quantum Computing and Open Category: For Quantum Computing backed initiatives (given the truth that most quantum computing analysis in the continent continues to be in early levels) and Emerging Technology Projects that don’t match into particular classes however showcase distinctive creativity and innovation to sustainably leverage technological developments for the socioeconomic growth.
• Presidential Award: The competitors’s most prestigious honour. Awarded to groundbreaking, transformational initiatives that contribute in the direction of inclusive and sustainable progress throughout Africa. This honour recognises visionary improvements that create an enduring affect, shaping a way forward for resilience, fairness and prosperity for the continent.

Eligibility

• Participants have to be African youth aged between 15 and 35 years. Applicants below the age of 18 are required to supply written consent from a Parent or Legal guardian.
• Teams or people can enter the competitors.

Judging Criteria

• Projects will likely be evaluated primarily based on innovation, performance, and affect.
• Judges’ selections are closing and not topic to attraction.

Application

Submit AI or robotics initiatives by thirtieth of June 2026 at 21:45 GMT.

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition.