Egypt Hosts Presidential African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition 2026
Egypt is hosting the third edition of the Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition (AYAIR) 2026, organized in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Ele-vate AI Africa. The competition will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), reflecting Egypt’s growing role in advancing digital transformation and innovation across the African continent.
Organizing partners include the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the African Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), as well as major ICT companies.
AYAIR is a flagship continental initiative that promotes Africa’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It aims to empower young talent aged 18–35 to use AI, robotics, and emerging technologies to create innovative solutions for development challenges in Africa, thereby supporting sustainable development.
The competition serves as a dynamic platform that supports the development of tech-based solutions. It connects young innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry pioneers. The competition also contributes to shaping regulatory frameworks and financing mechanisms that support Africa’s digital and industrial advancement, in line with the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063.
Its objectives include eliminating hunger and achieving food security, preventing and combating diseases within the framework of public health, ensuring a safe African cyberspace and strengthening digital connectivity, and fostering knowledge-based and innovation-driven societies.
The 2026 edition features 12 thematic categories spanning key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, mining, climate action, construction and architecture, fintech, ethical AI, robotic design, quantum computing, and an open category. The highest distinction, the Presidential Award, recognizes transformative innovations that deliver lasting impact and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent. Presidential Award finalists will receive global recognition at the AI for Good Global Summit, hosted by ITU in July.
As host, Egypt continues to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, driven by forward-looking national initiatives and a strong commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for emerging technologies. The competition further highlights the country’s efforts to support African youth, promote intra-African collaboration, and accelerate the continent’s transition toward a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
The deadline for applications is June 30.