Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition (Second Edition)

Deadline: 13 June 2025

The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition is a pioneering initiative driving Africa’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through AI, robotics, and emerging technologies.

This transformative competition is a collaboration between the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies and Ele-vate AI Africa. The 2025 Edition of this prestigious competition will be hosted in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of South Africa through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). Uniting policy, industry, and innovation to empower the continent’s youth.

More than a competition, it serves as a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and digital transformation, aligning with South Africa’s economic priorities and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to position African talent as global leaders in AI and robotics. By bridging the skills gap, enhancing research capabilities, and shaping progressive policies, this initiative ensures that Africa is not just adopting technology but creating, governing, and scaling it.

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 South African Government championing this movement, the African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition stands as a beacon of Africa’s commitment to technological sovereignty, economic resilience, and global innovation leadership.

Categories

AI and Innovation in Mining: Projects focusing on groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence and Robotics to sustainably improve the mining sector.
Futuristic FinTech Solution: Finance Projects, Tools and Innovations promoting ethical, inclusive and efficient finance practices whilst upholding environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
Best Robotics Design: Projects showcasing creativity in designing/building adaptable robotics for specific tasks or challenges in a manner that boosts efficiency by boosting human productivity capacity per task tailored to the local African context.
AI and Robotics Best Healthcare Solutions: Projects and Innovations leveraging AI and robotics to address challenges, boost efficiency and facilitate breakthroughs in healthcare.
Education Enhancement: Initiatives using AI or robotics to inclusively, sustainably and efficiently improve educational offering and learning experiences for students and educators.
Ethical AI: Projects addressing ethical considerations in the development and application of AI.
AI and Robotics Agricultural Solutions: Solutions enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the agriculture sector through AI and Robotics.
Community Impact and Good Governance Innovation: Projects demonstrating a positive impact on local communities through AI or robotics.
Innovation in the Construction and Architecture industry: Projects demonstrating a positive impact and revolutionary efficiency in the fields of Construction and Architecture.
Climate Action Technology: Projects demonstrating a sustainability and efficiency in addressing the adverse effects of Climate Change for a more inclusive, progressive and sustainable future.
Quantum Computing and Open Category: For Quantum Computing backed projects (given the fact that most quantum computing research in the continent is still in early stages) and Emerging Technology Projects that don’t fit into specific categories but showcase exceptional creativity and innovation to sustainably leverage technological advancements for the socioeconomic development.
Presidential Award: The competition’s most prestigious honor. Awarded to groundbreaking, transformational initiatives that contribute towards inclusive and sustainable progress across Africa, this honor recognizes visionary innovations that create a lasting impact.