Cairo: The National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) has concluded Egypt's final qualifiers for the Afro-Asian Forum for Innovation and Technology (AAFFIAT 2026), selecting teams to vie at an international contest due to be held in Aswan on October 25 through 27.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the final stage was attended by 188 contestants from 56 teams, aged between five and 22, including school and university students. Participants competed in eight technology categories covering robotics, game design and storytelling, cybersecurity, mobile applications, software development, healthcare, and other technology-based challenges.

The teams presented their projects and solutions before a panel of technology and innovation specialists, with the best performers selected to represent Egypt at the international competition. NTI Director Ahmed Khattab emphasized that developing young talent in information and communications technology is an important part of efforts to prepare a new generation for the digital economy. He cited training and development programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, and technological innovation.

It is noteworthy that the 9th edition of AAFFIAT will be held in Aswan from Oct. 25 to 27, bringing together young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs from African and Asian countries for technology competitions and knowledge exchange.