FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026

Applications are open for the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026, a flagship continental initiative aimed at advancing Africa’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and emerging technologies. Organized by Ele-vate AI Africa in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the competition provides a platform for young African innovators to showcase groundbreaking solutions that address real-world challenges across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate action, fintech, governance, mining, and industrial development. The 2026 edition will be hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through its Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

The competition seeks to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting youth-led technological solutions that contribute to economic growth, job creation, industrialization, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Participants will have the opportunity to present their innovations before investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts while competing for continental recognition and prestigious awards.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply

Host Institution

African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in partnership with Ele-vate AI Africa.

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Participants will gain continental exposure for their innovations and have the opportunity to connect with investors, policymakers, researchers, and industry pioneers. The competition creates pathways for funding, partnerships, mentorship, and commercialization of innovative solutions. It also provides a platform for young innovators to influence policy discussions surrounding AI, robotics, and emerging technologies in Africa.

Winners and finalists will receive recognition through the Presidential Awards Ceremony and other continental platforms. The initiative aims to accelerate the development and scaling of practical AI and robotics solutions that can contribute to Africa’s digital transformation and technological sovereignty.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to young innovators from all 55 African Union member states. Applicants must be between 15 and 35 years of age and should have developed original AI, robotics, or emerging technology solutions that address African challenges. Innovations may be at various stages of development but should demonstrate creativity, functionality, impact potential, scalability, sustainability, and relevance to Africa’s development priorities. All submissions must be original work, and applicants must be able to demonstrate ownership of their innovations.

Eligible Countries

Applicants from all African Union member states are eligible to apply. This includes countries across East Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, North Africa, and Southern Africa. The competition is specifically designed to empower young innovators from across the African continent.

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://ele-vate.co.za/african-youth-in-artificial-intelligence-and-robotics