☰
Applications are open for the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 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 Al, robotics, and emerging technologies.
Opportunity Details
This transformative competition is a collaboration between the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies and Elevate Al 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 Al 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.
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 honour. Awarded to groundbreaking, transformational initiatives that contribute towards inclusive and sustainable progress across Africa, This honour recognises visionary innovations that create a lasting impact . shaping a future of resilience, equity and prosperity for the continent.
1. Eligibility:
- Participants must be African youth aged between 15 and 35 years.
- Teams or individuals can enter the competition.
2. Registration:
- Applications open on the 14th of February 2025.
- Provide accurate information; any falsification will result in disqualification.
-Only projects that meet the category specified, terms and conditions will be contacted.
3. Project Submission Deadline:
- Submit AI or robotics projects by 13th of June 2025
- Projects must align with the competition theme and guidelines.
4. Intellectual Property:
- Participants retain ownership of their projects.
- The organisers may use project details for promotional purposes.
5. Code of Conduct:
- Respectful and ethical behaviour is expected.
- Any form of cheating or plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
6. Judging Criteria:
- Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, functionality, and impact.
- Judges' decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
7. Prizes:
- Prizes will be awarded based on merit.
- All finalists will be announced publicly on our Social Media platforms (Currently available on X and LinkedIn) on the19th of September 2025
8. Final Event Attendance:
- Finalists must attend the virtual or physical award ceremony.
- Unavailability /no response (Unreachable) may result in the forfeiture of prizes.
- The Final Showcase and Ceremony 22nd-23rd November 2025.
9. Data Privacy:
- Personal information collected during registration will be handled securely.
- Participants' data will only be used for competition-related communication.
10. Organiser’s Rights:
- The organizers reserve the right to modify rules and guidelines if necessary.
- In unforeseen circumstances, the competition may be canceled or postponed.
Contact Information:
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
Please note that Group Entries must be submitted by the group leader and the project paper must indicate that it is a group project listing all the team members.
Apply for Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition