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Member News |SA makes its debut at the International AI Olympiad
On 15 June 2026, the South African AI Olympiad (SAAIO) hosted its national finals at the University of Johannesburg, marking a historic milestone: for the first time, four outstanding high school students will be representing South Africa at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). The team will compete in Kazakhstan in August 2026, at the 3rd edition of this prestigious global competition.
This achievement reflects the growing strength of South Africa’s emerging AI education ecosystem and the increasing opportunities for young talent to engage in world-class STEM competitions.
The SAAIO programme continues to play a key role in developing a national pipeline of AI talent, providing learners from diverse backgrounds with access to advanced training, competition exposure, and pathways into innovation-led careers. Beyond competition, the initiative aims to empower young people to see themselves as future contributors to global technological advancement.
As preparations begin for the international competition and planning for the 2027 SAAIO edition, the programme welcomes engagement from partners interested in supporting South Africa’s next generation of AI talent through sponsorship, mentorship or collaboration.
— Lee Chana
Executive Director, SAAIO | Board Member, FSACCI
www.saaio.org
Disclaimer:
This article is an external contribution and was not produced by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI). The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of FSACCI.
