The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition is a flagship continental initiative advancing Africa’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Emerging Technologies. Co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Ele-vate AI Africa, the initiative unites policy, industry, and innovation to empower Africa’s youth and accelerate inclusive, technology-driven development.

For the Third Edition (2026), they are honoured to be hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

ELIGIBILITY:

This competition connects young innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry pioneers, driving real-world applications of AI and automation while influencing regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms to accelerate Africa’s digital and industrial evolution. With AUDA-NEPAD, Ele-vate AI, and the AU Member states championing this movement, the Presidential African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition stands as a beacon of Africa’s commitment to technological sovereignty, economic resilience, and global innovation leadership turning potential into prosperity.

Submissions OPEN! The call for submissions for the Third Edition of the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026 is now OPEN!

The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics competition is open to all African Union (AU) Member States. The AU is made up of 55 Member States which represent all the countries on the African continent. The Competition features 12 categories covering some of the most crucial sectors in Africa’s development along with a Prestigious Presidential award.

Eligibility:
 Participants must be African youth aged between 15 and 35 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are required to provide written consent from a Parent or Legal guardian.
Teams or individuals can enter the competition.
Registration:
 Applications open on the 10th of February 2026 at 10:00 GMT.
 Provide accurate information; any falsification will result in disqualification.
 Only projects that meet the category specified, terms and conditions will be contacted.
Project Submission Deadline:
Submit AI or robotics projects by 30th of June 2026 at 21:45 GMT (Deadline extended)
Projects must align with the competition theme and guidelines.
Intellectual Property:
Participants retain ownership of their projects.
The organisers may use project details for promotional purposes.
Code of Conduct:
Respectful and ethical behaviour is expected.
Any form of cheating or plagiarism will lead to disqualification.

BENEFIT:

 Prizes:
  Prizes will be awarded based on merit.
  All finalists will be informed via email and announced publicly on our Social Media platforms (Currently available on X and LinkedIn) on the 17th of September 2026.

Final Event Attendance:
Finalists must attend the virtual or physical award ceremony.
Unavailability / no response (Unreachable) may result in the forfeiture of prizes.
Presidential Awards finalists will recieve Global recognition at United Nations International Telecommunication Union ‘s AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva 07-10th July 2026 
Presidential Awards Ceremony (live) 12th -13th October 2026
Virtual Awards Ceremony October 2026