Africa’s growing investment in artificial intelligence is beginning to show tangible results, particularly in sectors that directly affect people’s lives. Through its AI4SDG3 initiative, AI In Africa is playing a key role in equipping young innovators with the tools and platforms needed to address health and wellbeing challenges. By focusing on practical applications of AI, the programme is helping to turn student ideas into solutions that can strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to services across the continent.
Since 2018, AI In Africa has worked with a clear goal to ensure that young people across the continent do not just use technology but actively shape it. This vision was clearly reflected at the AI4SDG3 Final held during GITEX AFRICA, where student-led innovation took centre stage.
The AI4SDG3 youth innovation challenge, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, was delivered in partnership with IRCAI and supported by Manus AI as the main sponsor. The initiative brings together universities, students and industry stakeholders to apply artificial intelligence to real-world challenges in healthcare, wellbeing and sport.
This year’s programme brought together 18 universities and more than 120 students, with 12 finalist teams presenting their solutions. The projects focused on key areas such as emergency response, pre-hospital coordination, mental health, rare disease diagnostics, medication safety, clinical workflow, rehabilitation and improving access to care. These are critical gaps in many healthcare systems and the solutions presented showed strong potential for real impact.
The initiative goes beyond competition. It serves as a pathway for young innovators by offering exposure, mentorship and connections to a broader ecosystem. Selected projects were also linked to the UNESCO Top 100 AI for Good innovations, allowing student-led solutions to gain global visibility and support.
Among the top performers, Urgentis AI (Morocco), led by El Hour Sara, secured first place with a solution focused on ambulance dispatch and pre-hospital workflow. The project aims to improve emergency response systems and reduce delays in critical care situations.
Second place went to MedSyn Solutions (Tunisia), led by Chedhly Ghorbel, which developed a solution for rare disease diagnostics and clinical decision support, addressing a major gap in early and accurate diagnosis.
Two teams shared third place. Rahadoc (Morocco), led by Kawtar EL GADDI and Yahya Gabbas, presented a solution focused on clinical workflow, epidemiology and surveillance, while HomeCare (Morocco), led by Soukaina El Azrak, developed a platform aimed at improving access to care through caregiver matching.
Beyond the rankings, the overall quality of the finalist cohort highlighted the growing strength of youth-led innovation in Africa. The solutions were not only technically sound but also grounded in real community needs, reflecting a strong understanding of local healthcare challenges. The initiative also saw a strong presence of young women, particularly among the top-ranked teams, pointing to a more inclusive future in the technology and innovation space.
AI4SDG3 continues to demonstrate how investing in young talent can deliver meaningful outcomes. By creating opportunities for students to build, test and scale their ideas, AI In Africa is helping to shape a more inclusive and effective healthcare landscape while supporting the development of Africa’s next generation of innovators.
