Applications are now open for the 2025 Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition. The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2025 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.
As Africa accelerates towards a globally competitive, technology-driven economy, this initiative fosters cutting-edge research, skills development, and commercial pathways for AI-powered solutions that address local and global challenges.
More than a competition, it serves as a catalyst for industrialisation, 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.
Eligibility:
- Participants must be African youth aged between 15 and 35 years.
- Teams or individuals can enter the competition.
Project Submission Deadline:
- Submit AI or robotics projects by 13th of June 2025
- Projects must align with the competition theme and guidelines.
Intellectual Property:
- Participants retain ownership of their projects.
- The organisers may use project details for promotional purposes.
Competition Categories
- AI and Innovation in Mining
- Futuristic FinTech Solution
- Best Robotics Design
- AI and Robotics Best Healthcare Solutions
- Education Enhancement
- Ethical AI
- AI and Robotics Agricultural Solutions
- Community Impact and Good Governance Innovation
- Innovation in the Construction and Architecture industry
- Climate Action Technology
- Quantum Computing and Open Category
- Presidential Award
Prizes:
- Prizes will be awarded based on merits
- All finalists will be announced publicly on our Social Media platforms (Currently available on X and LinkedIn) on the 19th of September 2025
Apply here
Also Apply:
- Call for Applications: African Union Internship 2025
- One Young World Presents: 2025 AstraZeneca YHP Impact Fellowship for Global Young Leaders
- UNICEF Venture Fund Calls for Innovative Start-ups Empowering Women And Girls | Up to $100K
- University of Edinburgh Glenmore Scholarship (Online) 2025 | Fully Funded