Egyptian innovator wins African AI competition with smart mobility device for wheelchair users
Sagi El-Assal from Egypt claimed first place in the Presidential Category of the African Presidential Youth Competition for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AYAIR 2026) for developing an intelligent assistant device that uses artificial intelligence to help wheelchair users improve mobility and independence. The competition, held in Egypt under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, sought practical solutions addressing real societal challenges across the African continent.
The African Presidential Youth Competition for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics represents a continental effort to identify solutions addressing pressing social needs. Held under Egyptian presidency, the 2026 edition emphasizes innovations with practical, scalable applications rather than theoretical concepts. The competition offers substantial support beyond monetary prizes, including mentorship, investor connections, and integration with African and international entrepreneurship ecosystems—positioning winning projects for potential real-world deployment across the continent.
El-Assal's device exemplifies this focus on accessibility challenges. By combining AI with assistive technology for wheelchair users, the innovation targets mobility and independence barriers faced by persons with disabilities. The recognition at Africa's highest diplomatic level reflects growing institutional commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for inclusive development solutions.
The advancement of AI-driven assistive devices could potentially reshape accessibility in African regions where wheelchair users face significant infrastructure and mobility constraints. Such innovations may improve quality of life for persons with disabilities while creating pathways for similar solutions addressing other accessibility gaps. However, real-world impact depends on manufacturing scalability, affordability, and infrastructure compatibility across diverse African contexts—factors requiring sustained investment and partnership beyond initial competition recognition.