On 21–24 August 2026, the Sustainability Olympiad African Regional Competition took place in Nairobi, hosted by the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) and in partnership with Citizen Science Africa Association (CitSciAfrica). This event brought together 24 student teams from 12 universities across the continent to pitch bold, youth-led solutions addressing Africa’s most pressing sustainability, climate resilience, and public health challenges. Winning teams will have an opportunity to compete on the international stage at the Global Finals in Geneva, Switzerland in November.

The ALBATROSS project actively supported the competition, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, local capacity building, and nature-based solutions. Additionally, the regional final included two teams from ALBATROSS partner universities: University of Ghana (representing the winning team from the ALBATROSS Research School) and KNUST (representing the SDG Summer School that took place there earlier this spring): 

  • Integrated Community Climate Information System for Flood Risk Reduction in the Keta Lagoon Complex (ICCIS): Developed by a student team from the University of Ghana, this initiative bridges flood data, satellite mangrove mapping, dam advisories, and local indigenous knowledge. Designed for at-risk communities in the Keta Lagoon, ICCIS translates research into actionable early warnings and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) guidance delivered via local radio, a community resource centre, and Ewe-language manuals.
  • SentraMind: This initiative, presented by a student team from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, is an AI-powered mental wellness app offering 24/7 AI support, therapist bookings, group sessions, and institutional dashboards, built to make mental healthcare affordable and accessible across Africa.

In total, five teams were selected to represent the African continent at the Global Finals in Geneva, Switzerland, this November:

  1. Kiangazi Watch (USIU-Africa) – Top-rated ALBATROSS Challenge Team: An offline-first early warning system for climate-related health risks.
  2. Amanzi X (Hult Prize South Africa): An AI/ML solution that helps water utilities detect leaks and prevent pipe bursts in real time.
  3. AfyaLink (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology): A real-time referral platform connecting ambulance teams, nurses, and hospitals to facilitate seamless patient transfers.
  4. SentraMind (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – KNUST):  An AI-powered mental wellness app offering 24/7 support, therapist bookings, and group sessions across Africa.
  5. Health Guard (USIU-Africa): An AI-powered early warning system for climate-driven vector-borne diseases.

Additional recognition went to teams from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and other leading African institutions, highlighting the wealth of talent across the region. ALBATROSS extends its warmest congratulations to all participating teams, mentors, and partner organisations who made this regional