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Application Deadline: 30 June 2026, 5:00pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT/ New York time) Applications are now open for the 2026 PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival. The PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival is an…

The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026 is a continental innovation initiative led by Ele-vate AI Africa in collaboration with the African Union development ecosystem. It is designed to position Africa as a global leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by empowering young innovators working in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies. The competition is co-convened with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and supported by multiple governments and strategic partners across the continent. Overview of the 2026 Edition The third edition of the competition will be hosted by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through its Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Egypt’s leadership in digital transformation and AI readiness provides a strategic foundation for this continental innovation showcase. The programme builds on previous editions, including the 2025 final showcase held in South Africa, which was aligned with major international events such as the G20 AI in Africa Conference. The competition continues to expand its influence as a platform for youth-driven technological innovation across Africa’s 55 African Union member states. Purpose of the Competition The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting youth-led solutions in artificial intelligence and robotics. It serves as both a competition and a continental development platform that connects young innovators with policymakers, industry leaders, and investors. Its broader mission is to: Promote AI and robotics innovation across Africa Support skills development for the digital economy Strengthen industrialisation and intra-African trade Encourage inclusive technological growth Align innovation with Agenda 2063 development goals The programme is also formally aligned with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034). Scale and Impact The competition has rapidly grown into one of Africa’s largest youth innovation platforms. Previous editions recorded: Over 1,008 submissions in 2024 More than 3,257 submissions in 2025 Participation from innovators across all 55 African Union member states The growing participation reflects increasing youth engagement in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies across the continent. Competition Categories The 2026 edition features 12 innovation categories designed to address critical development areas in Africa. These include: AI and Innovation in Mining Futuristic FinTech Solutions Best Robotics Design AI and Robotics Healthcare Solutions Education Enhancement Technologies Ethical AI Systems Agricultural AI and Robotics Solutions Community Impact and Governance Innovation Construction and Architecture Innovation Climate Action Technology Quantum Computing and Emerging Technologies Presidential Award (Grand Prize Category) Each category encourages participants to develop practical, scalable solutions tailored to Africa’s socioeconomic needs. Eligibility Criteria The competition is open to: African youth aged 15 to 35 years Individuals or teams from any African Union member state Participants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent Applicants are required to submit original projects aligned with competition guidelines. Group entries must clearly identify all team members and be submitted by a designated group leader. Key Dates for 2026 The 2026 competition timeline includes: Registration opens: 10 February 2026 Submission deadline: 30 June 2026 (extended) Final announcements: 17 September 2026 Presidential Awards Ceremony: October 2026 (dates to be confirmed) Finalists may also be showcased at international platforms, including the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. Judging Criteria and Evaluation Projects submitted to the competition are evaluated based on: Innovation and originality Technical functionality Real-world impact Scalability and sustainability Alignment with African development priorities Judging decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Intellectual Property and Participation Rules Participants retain full ownership of their projects. However, organisers reserve the right to use project details for promotional and educational purposes. All participants are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines, including: No plagiarism or academic dishonesty Respectful and professional conduct Compliance with submission rules and deadlines Failure to comply with these conditions may result in disqualification. Strategic Partnerships and Support The competition is supported by key African institutions and governments committed to advancing digital transformation. Major partners include: African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) Government of Egypt (host for 2026 edition) Government of South Africa (2025 edition host partner) Government of Tanzania (2024 inaugural host) These partnerships ensure alignment between innovation, policy development, and long-term economic transformation. Significance for Africa’s Digital Future The Presidential African Youth in AI and Robotics Competition represents more than a contest; it is a strategic platform for shaping Africa’s technological future. By enabling young innovators to develop real-world AI and robotics solutions, the initiative contributes to: Job creation and entrepreneurship Digital industrialisation Technological sovereignty Sustainable economic growth Regional integration and cooperation It positions African youth at the centre of global innovation conversations and strengthens the continent’s ability to compete in advanced technology sectors. Call for Action The 2026 Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition stands as a major continental initiative driving Africa’s participation in the global digital economy. Through collaboration between governments, institutions, and young innovators, the programme continues to build pathways for inclusive growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development. As submissions open for the third edition, the platform reinforces its role as a catalyst for Africa’s innovation future transforming ideas into scalable solutions that address real-world challenges across the continent. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 Applications are now open for the 2026 TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award. This annual award, sponsored by the TWAS Fellow Samira Omar, recognizes the…

Deadline: May 31, 2026 Applications are open for the Social Fiction Design Competition 2026. YY Ventures and Yunus Centre introduces the Social Business Design Competition and the Social Fiction Design Competition to nurture social innovation and entrepreneurship among the next generation of young talent. Their mission is to create a world of three zeros; zero [...]

Deadline: May 31, 2026 Applications are open for the Social Business Design Competition 2026. YY Ventures and Yunus Centre introduces the Social Business Design Competition and the Social Fiction Design Competition to nurture social innovation and entrepreneurship among the next generation of young talent. Their mission is to create a world of three zeros; zero [...]

Deadline: July 3, 2026 Nominations are now open for the 8th edition of the Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) award programme, which champions leaders combining profit and purpose. From social entrepreneurs and impact investors to corporate sustainability leaders, MB100 winners work across sectors, geographies, role types and SDGs, united by their dedication to tackling complex social [...]

Deadline: July 31, 2026 Applications are open for the Art on Climate International Illustration Competition 2026. The “Art on Climate” International Illustration Competition is a collaborative initiative organised by Fingertips Company Limited and sponsored by Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI). Their mission is to transform complex climate strategies into powerful visual stories. By inviting illustrators and [...]

Deadline: September 8, 2026 Applications are open for the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2026. The awards recognise the inspirational stars of tomorrow across diverse sectors in Southeast Asia. The Women of the Future Programme is a vibrant and impactful community that connects women across all industries on a global scale. Its many [...]

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant under its World Service program in Uganda. The role is based in the Northern Region, with placements in Palabek, Kiryandongo, and Palorinya. LWF is an international faith-based humanitarian and development organization operating in more than 20 countries, with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable communities in crisis-affected contexts. This position plays a key role in ensuring high-quality data management, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making across humanitarian and development programmes. Organizational Context and Mission LWF World Service serves as the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. The organisation works in collaboration with international partners such as UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA, and EU/ECHO to deliver community-based assistance in some of the world’s most fragile environments. Its core mission is grounded in justice, peace, and reconciliation, with a strong commitment to human rights and inclusive humanitarian action. The Uganda program focuses on refugee response and host community support, ensuring that interventions are data-driven and accountable. Role Overview: Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant The M&E Assistant supports the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in strengthening data systems and improving programme performance tracking. A key feature of the role is the transition toward digital data management systems, particularly ActivityInfo, which serves as the organization’s central Management Information System (MIS). The position contributes directly to improving data accuracy, reporting quality, and real-time monitoring of humanitarian interventions. Key Responsibilities The responsibilities of the M&E Assistant are divided into four main functional areas: 1. Data Collection, Management, and Reporting The role involves ensuring that all programme data is accurately collected, verified, and maintained. Key tasks include: Supporting data entry and cleaning processes in ActivityInfo and other MIS platforms Maintaining updated beneficiary databases and project tracking systems Conducting routine data quality checks to ensure accuracy and consistency Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for internal and donor use Supporting field teams in using data collection tools and reporting templates Maintaining proper documentation and archiving of M&E records This function accounts for the largest portion of the role and is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency. 2. Field Monitoring and Implementation Support The M&E Assistant actively participates in field-based monitoring activities to validate project implementation and gather primary data. Responsibilities include: Conducting field visits to verify project outputs and beneficiary data Supporting baseline surveys, evaluations, and post-distribution monitoring Administering questionnaires and conducting interviews and focus group discussions Documenting success stories, lessons learned, and case studies Supporting accountability mechanisms within communities Assisting in supervision of enumerators and temporary data collectors This field engagement ensures that programme data reflects real community experiences and outcomes. 3. Learning, Documentation, and Knowledge Management The role also contributes to organisational learning by documenting insights and evidence from project implementation. Key tasks include: Collecting and organizing learning materials, reports, and case studies Supporting documentation of project innovations and challenges Assisting in the preparation of newsletters and learning briefs Contributing to knowledge-sharing activities within the organisation Ensuring accessibility of documentation for reporting and learning purposes This function helps improve institutional memory and strengthens future programming. 4. Coordination and Support Functions The M&E Assistant also contributes to coordination and administrative support by: Participating in project review and coordination meetings Supporting timely reporting and information sharing Assisting in visibility and accountability activities Performing additional duties as assigned by supervisors Required Qualifications and Experience Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background and relevant field experience in monitoring and evaluation or data management. Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Information Management, or related fields Experience Requirements 1–2 years of relevant experience in M&E or data management Experience in humanitarian or development programming preferred Experience working with NGOs or refugee response programmes is an advantage Familiarity with tools such as KoboCollect, ODK, CommCare, or SurveyCTO is desirable Knowledge of ActivityInfo, Excel, or Power BI is an added benefit Key Skills and Competencies The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical and interpersonal skills, including: Understanding of M&E principles and frameworks Strong data analysis and reporting abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word Attention to detail and commitment to data quality Strong communication and teamwork skills Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines High levels of integrity and confidentiality Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments Language Requirements Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required Knowledge of local languages in the project areas is an advantage Work Environment and Organizational Values LWF promotes an inclusive and values-driven work environment. The organization is committed to safeguarding, accountability, and equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, religion, or background. Core values guiding the organisation include: Commitment to human dignity and human rights Integrity and accountability in humanitarian action Respect for diversity and inclusion Service to vulnerable and marginalized communities Application Deadline Applications for the Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant position close on 4 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This role offers an important opportunity to contribute to humanitarian data systems that directly support refugee populations and vulnerable communities in Uganda. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.