AI for All Hackathon 2026 Applications Open for Young Innovators in North Africa ·Unknown

Young innovators across North Africa are invited to apply for the AI for All Hackathon: Building Inclusive Solutions for Early Warning and Disaster Resilience, an initiative designed to harness the power of artificial intelligence to address disaster risks, climate challenges, and sustainable development. Organized by the African Youth Advisory Board on Disaster Risk Reduction (AYAB-DRR) – African Union, the programme is delivered in collaboration with partners including ALF, Periperi U, the European Union, and other regional and international stakeholders.

The hackathon aims to equip participants with technical knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship while fostering innovative AI-powered solutions that enhance disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and climate resilience across the region.

Applications are open until 5 August 2026.

About the AI for All Hackathon

The AI for All Hackathon is a multi-phase innovation programme that brings together young people with diverse backgrounds in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, climate action, and disaster risk reduction. Participants will gain access to expert-led training, collaborative innovation labs, and regional showcase opportunities designed to transform creative ideas into impactful solutions.

By encouraging multidisciplinary teamwork and responsible AI development, the programme seeks to strengthen local capacity for addressing disaster resilience challenges through emerging technologies.

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered in three comprehensive phases that guide participants from foundational learning to solution development and final presentation.

Phase I: Virtual Boot Camp

The programme begins with an intensive virtual learning experience where participants receive technical and practical training from experienced facilitators and industry experts.

Training topics include:

• Responsible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence.
• Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
• Early Warning Systems.
• Earth Observation and Geospatial Technologies.
• Robotics and Prototype Development.
• UI/UX Design.
• Application Development.
• Design Thinking and Innovation.
• Web Development.
• Professional Networking.

The boot camp is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to develop innovative, inclusive, and scalable AI solutions.

Phase II: Local Innovation Labs

Following the virtual training, participants will join multidisciplinary teams during local innovation labs.

During this phase, participants will:

• Collaborate with peers from different disciplines.
• Receive mentorship from technical experts and facilitators.
• Design and develop AI-powered prototypes.
• Refine innovative solutions addressing disaster resilience challenges.
• Strengthen teamwork, leadership, and project development skills.

The innovation labs encourage collaborative problem-solving while supporting participants in transforming concepts into practical applications.

Phase III: Regional Hackathon and Demo Days

The final stage of the programme provides selected teams with an opportunity to showcase their completed solutions during the Regional Hackathon and Demo Days.

Participating teams will present their projects before:

• Industry experts.
• Policymakers.
• Development partners.
• Investors.
• Innovation leaders.
• Regional stakeholders.

The demo sessions provide valuable exposure while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and potential future partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to young innovators who meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Be a citizen or resident of a North African country.
• Be available to participate throughout all phases of the programme.
• Demonstrate an interest in:
  • Artificial Intelligence.
  • Innovation.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Climate Action.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Technology.

Applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in developing technology-driven solutions for community resilience and sustainable development.

Why Participate?

The AI for All Hackathon offers participants an opportunity to build technical expertise while working on real-world challenges affecting communities across Africa.

Programme benefits include:

• Expert-led AI and innovation training.
• Hands-on experience in designing AI-powered solutions.
• Mentorship from professionals and industry leaders.
• Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• Exposure to policymakers, investors, and development partners.
• Opportunities to strengthen professional networks.
• Practical experience in disaster resilience and climate innovation.
• Development of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills.

Participants will also gain valuable experience applying artificial intelligence to support sustainable development goals and disaster preparedness initiatives.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to complete the official participant application form before the deadline.

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Full name.
• Gender.
• Email address.
• Age.
• Phone number (including country code).
• Country of residence.
• City.
• Date of birth.
• LinkedIn profile (optional).
• GitHub profile, portfolio, or personal website (optional).
• Consent for photography and videography for programme documentation and donor reporting.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate and complete before submitting the application.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is 5 August 2026.

Prospective participants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute submission challenges.

Building the Next Generation of AI Innovators

The AI for All Hackathon represents an important opportunity for young people in North Africa to develop practical artificial intelligence skills while contributing to innovative solutions that improve disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

By combining technical training, mentorship, collaborative innovation, and regional exposure, the programme empowers participants to become future leaders in responsible AI and disaster risk reduction. Young innovators with a passion for technology and social impact are encouraged to seize this opportunity and become part of a growing network committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

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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.