African robotics makes strides at Robot Olympiad in Singapore, with a record 15 countries participating

Singapore, 28 November 2025 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) celebrates the increased numbers of African countries participating at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 International Final in Singapore., which demonstrates a significant growth in the continent's digital upskilling and innovation capacity.

The 2025 event saw a nearly four-fold increase from the only 4 countries that reached the global stage in 2023. This year's competition featured 48 African teams showcasing advanced robotics solutions, including health-focused surgical assistance and climate-smart agricultural models like the celebrated "Green Thumb Project" from South Africa.

This surge is attributed to the success of targeted capacity-building efforts. In just one year, the number of young people engaged in educational robotics across the continent skyrocketed from 9,000 to 42,000, with 2,000 educators receiving specialized training.

According to Mactar Seck, Chief Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, ECA statement "This is a pivotal moment that transcends competition. The WRO 2025 is a demonstration of SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnerships) in action. These young professionals are not just building robots; they are designing the regulatory frameworks and technological platforms of Africa's future. The dramatic growth in participation is clear evidence that strategic partnerships and dedicated resources are effectively narrowing the global technological divide."

"The ECA extends its profound gratitude to its committed partners, including Google, Camden Education, and all National Organizers across the represented African Nations, whose support has been instrumental in fostering this continent-wide expansion and nurturing a pipeline of talent ready to lead Africa's digital transformation."

The countries represented at the 2025 Olympiad in Singapore are: Algeria Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, SaoTome & Principe, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]