Egypt is preparing to host the African Youth Presidential Competition in Artificial Intelligence

In recent yearsThe Fourth Industrial Revolution has reshaped the concepts of development, production, and the economy, through increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analysis, and advanced digital technologies. These transformations have become an essential pillar in building more efficient and sustainable economies, capable of confronting interconnected global challenges, from climate change and food security, to improving the quality of health and education services and enhancing future job opportunities.

In this context, many countries are turning to investing in technology and innovation as key drivers for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in light of the opportunities that artificial intelligence applications provide to support economic growth, improve resource management, and enhance digital and social inclusion.

Empowering young people in the fields of modern technology has also become a crucial element in building societies capable of competing globally, which is what prompts the African continent to adopt regional initiatives and programs that seek to prepare a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs capable of leading the digital transformation and turning development potential into a tangible reality.

Egypt was chosen to host the third edition of the competition

In light of this growing global trend towards employing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to support sustainable development, Egypt is at the forefront of African countries that have adopted an ambitious vision to enhance digital transformation and support applications of artificial intelligence and technological innovation. In recent years, the Egyptian state has worked to develop the digital infrastructure, launch national strategies for artificial intelligence, in addition to expanding programs for qualifying young cadres and building technological capabilities, which reflects its endeavor to consolidate its position as a regional center for digital innovation on the African continent.

In this context, the Arab Republic of Egypt, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is hosting the third edition of the African Youth Presidential Competition in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for the year 2026, as a step that reflects regional and international confidence in the Egyptian experience in the field of digital transformation, and Cairo’s growing role in supporting African initiatives related to technology and innovation.

This hosting also represents an opportunity to enhance African cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, and to enable African youth to develop innovative solutions that contribute to achieving social and economic development on the continent level.

Enhancing Africa’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The African Youth Presidential Competition in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is a pioneering continental initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies.

This initiative is jointly organized by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Elevate AI Africa Foundation, bringing together policymakers, industry, and innovators, with the aim of empowering African youth and accelerating comprehensive technology-based development paths.

Building a global economy based on artificial intelligence

As Africa accelerates towards building a competitive, technology-based global economy, this platform contributes to supporting advanced research, developing skills, and opening commercial paths for comprehensive solutions supported by artificial intelligence and robotics.

This competition is also considered a continental innovation infrastructure that contributes to enhancing intra-African trade, advancing industrialization, creating job opportunities, and accelerating digital transformation in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063. The African Youth Presidency Competition in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is also an official initiative within the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).

Commitment to authenticity and ethical standards

The competition targets African youth from 15 to 35 years old, whether through individual or group participation, with a focus on artificial intelligence and robotics projects of an innovative nature and practical impact.

The organizing committee also requires adherence to standards of originality and ethics, and projects are subject to evaluation according to criteria of innovation, functionality and societal impact, while some winners get the opportunity to participate in international events related to artificial intelligence and innovation.

Covering all vital sectors

This year’s edition of the competition includes 12 main topics covering vital sectors, including health care, agriculture, financial technology, education, climate technology, and artificial intelligence ethics, in addition to a track dedicated to quantum computing, with the deadline for submitting participating projects to be June 30, 2026.

The Presidential Award finalists will also receive global recognition during the ITU AI for Good Summit at the United Nations in Geneva from July 7 to 10, 2026, and the live Presidential Awards ceremony will be held on October 1 and 2, 2026.

Egypt is a regional center for digital innovation

Egypt’s selection to host the third edition of the competition comes in view of the great successes achieved by the Egyptian communications and information technology sector in recent years, as Cairo seeks to consolidate its position as a regional center for digital transformation and technological innovation in Africa and the Middle East.

The state has strengthened this trend by launching the national strategy for artificial intelligence, expanding digital innovation centers, and investing in building the technological capabilities of young people, in addition to its growing presence in African initiatives concerned with the digital economy.

In conclusion, hosting the third edition of the African Youth Presidential Competition in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, which is organized in cooperation with the African Union Development Agency and the Ele-vate AI Africa initiative, reflects Egypt’s vision based on employing technology to be a tool to support the achievement of sustainable development and enhance African integration in the fields of the knowledge economy and future industries.

For its part,The Earth Guards Foundation appreciates the efforts made to consolidate Egypt’s position regionally and globally and support economic development by strengthening the digital economy, supporting digital infrastructure, keeping pace with global trends in artificial intelligence applications and adapting it to be an effective tool in achieving comprehensive sustainable development.