Empowering Africa's Youth to innovate and lead

Join the 3rd edition of the Biggest Pan-African startup competition for high school students

April 2 to 10, 2026 – Morocco

Thematic Areas :

AI for Good

HealtTech

TravelTech & Mobility

AgriTech

EdTech

Schule Z: Where Africa’s Youth Solve Africa’s Challenges !

Since 2019, Schule Z has been igniting the entrepreneurial spirit and tech skills of African youth between the ages of 13 and 18.

Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and a stimulating Pan-African startup competition, we empower the next generation to solve real-world problems in areas critical to the future of Africa.

Join us in shaping Africa’s future!

Our vision is to enable one million African young entrepreneurs and leaders by 2032 to propel the continent into action through innovation and sustainable development.

Trusted by 40+ Sponsors & Partners

2026 Edition Highlights

Schools involved

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Students

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Juniors entrepreneurs

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07 participating countries

Schule Z will engage students from seven countries : Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Morocco.

« We must no longer allow our education system to function as a machine for producing legions of unemployed people. »

His Majesty King Mohammed VI,

may God assist Him

Our action will also consist of giving new impetus to Benin’s schools, to make them more compatible with our needs.

H.E. Patrice TALON

President of the Republic of Benin

Education is the key to progress. By investing in the training of our young people, we are investing in the future of our country.

H.E. Paul BIYA

President of the Republic of Cameroon

Our youth are our greatest asset. We must invest in their education, their training, and their capacity to innovate, so that they can build the Africa of tomorrow.

H.E. Allassane OUATTARA

President of the Republic of Ivory Coast

Empowering young people through innovation and entrepreneurship is essential for Mali’s progress and Africa’s development.

H.E. Assimi GOÏTA

President of the Republic of Mali

We will continue to prioritize education, technology, and entrepreneurship as key pillars for Nigeria’s and Africa’s future.

H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

I deeply believe that innovation and entrepreneurship are the keys to transforming our continent and providing new opportunities for our youth.

H.E. Bassirou Diomaye FAYE

President of the Republic of Senegal

Awards and prizes

Schule Z 2026 will have 5 prizes for which high school students will compete.

Schule Z Grand-Prize

For the most impactful, innovative, and best-executed student project overall.

Schule Z Gand Prize

The Schule Z Grand Prize is awarded to the most impactful, innovative, and best-executed student project in the Pan-African startup competition.

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AI for Good Prize

Awarded to the team whose AI-powered solution makes the greatest impact.

AI for Good Prize

The AI for Good Prize recognizes the most innovative and impactful application of artificial intelligence developed by high school students to solve real-world challenges.

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Best Prototype Prize

Awarded to the team that presents the most advanced and functional prototype.

Best Prototype Prize

This prize recognizes students who not only have a great idea but also turn it into a tangible, working solution.

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Social impact Prize

Awarded to the most impactful project, consistent with Africa's priorities and the UN SDGs.

Social impact Prize

This award celebrates innovative solutions that address pressing social or environmental challenges and demonstrate a clear potential to improve lives across the continent.

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Emerging Girl Tech Leader

Awarded to the most promising young woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership and technological innovation.

Emerging Girl Tech Leader

This prize recognizes a high school girl who not only excels in developing creative tech solutions but also inspires her peers through her vision, teamwork, and drive to make a difference.

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