Egypt is hosting the 3rd Presidential African Youth AI and Robotics Competition (AYAIR), 2026 under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, as part of its efforts to support digital transformation and innovation across Africa.
The competition is organised in co-operation with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Elevate AI Africa foundation, with the participation of several regional and international organisations, including the International Telecommunication Union, the African Development Bank, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the African Export-Import Bank.
The AYAIR competition is a leading initiative aimed at empowering African youth—aged 18 to 35—by fostering innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. It challenges participants to develop AI and robotics-based solutions that address the pressing developmental challenges facing the African continent.
It focuses on key areas including food security, public health, digital connectivity, and building knowledge-based societies.
It also seeks to support Africa’s digital transformation and industrialisation efforts in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Hosting the event, Egypt reinforces its role as a regional hub for digital innovation and highlights its commitment to supporting African youth and strengthening co-operation across the continent.
