Presidential African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition 2025

Deadline: June 13, 2025

Young innovators across Africa are invited to participate in the 2025 Presidential African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition. This initiative is designed to strengthen Africa’s position in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies, fostering leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The competition is organized by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with Elevate AI Africa and the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies. The 2025 edition is hosted in partnership with the South African Government through the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). By connecting policy, industry, and innovation, this event empowers African youth to drive technological advancements on the continent.

Beyond being a competitive platform, this initiative is a catalyst for industrialization, employment opportunities, and digital transformation. It aligns with the objectives of South Africa’s economic strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ensuring Africa takes a proactive role in technological innovation. Through research development, policy engagement, and skill enhancement, the competition supports Africa in not only adopting AI and robotics but also shaping and scaling these technologies.

Competition Categories

AI in Mining: Innovations applying AI and robotics to improve sustainability in the mining industry.
FinTech Innovation: Financial solutions promoting responsible, ethical, and inclusive economic practices.
Robotics Design: Robotics projects that enhance efficiency and productivity in an African context.
AI in Healthcare: Technological advancements improving healthcare delivery and efficiency.
Education Innovation: AI or robotics solutions transforming education for students and educators.
Ethical AI: Developments addressing the responsible use of AI.
AI in Agriculture: Applications enhancing sustainability and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Community & Governance: Projects demonstrating a positive impact on society through AI and robotics.
Construction & Architecture: AI-driven solutions revolutionizing efficiency in these fields.
Climate Action Technology: Innovations tackling climate challenges with sustainable solutions.
Quantum Computing & Open Category: Early-stage quantum computing and other emerging technology projects with high impact potential.
Presidential Award: The highest honor, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to Africa’s technological and economic growth.