NOAI Sénégal 2026

3rd International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence

Astana, Kazakhstan, 2 to 8 August 2026

participating countries and territories: 108 participating countries and territories
contestants: 466 contestants
team leaders: 126 team leaders
observers: 100 observers

Selection process actually used

Selection followed a funnel model, from the widest possible opening to the most demanding rounds: an online awareness-raising multiple-choice test (Ignite), a second test assessing analytical and algorithmic foundations (Orient), then proctored assessments in hybrid format testing technical application (Advance). A fourth phase, the residential national bootcamp Immerse, was to carry out the final selection; it was cancelled owing to administrative and logistical constraints tied to taking part in the IOAI. The national selection was therefore closed on the basis of the Phase 3 results, which became the final round.

1

National launch
Completed

15 to 31 March 2026

Registration opened nationwide.
2

Phase 1 : Ignite
Completed

6 to 12 April 2026

First selection round, an online multiple-choice test. It aims to raise awareness, spark interest and widen access to AI. Results compiled 13 to 20 April.
3

Phase 2 : Orient
Completed

27 April to 3 May 2026

Online assessment of analytical and algorithmic foundations and of reasoning. Results compiled 4 to 8 May.
4

Phase 3 : Advance
Completed

23 to 31 May 2026

Proctored assessments in hybrid format, testing technical application. This became the final selection round after Phase 4 was cancelled. Results compiled 1 to 5 June.
5

Phase 4 : Immerse
Cancelled

13 June 2026, planned

A residential national bootcamp was to carry out the final selection and form the national team and its reserve team. This phase was cancelled owing to administrative and logistical constraints tied to taking part in the IOAI.
6
Intensive training
Completed

2 to 30 July 2026
Following selection, a bootcamp held from July 2 to 30 prepared the national team for the demands of the international competition.
- 2 weeks of online training
- 8 days of in-person training at Lycée Kennedy in Dakar
- A final period of online training and follow-up
Teaching staff

Three GalsenAI mentors provided the educational and technical support of the candidates.

Resources used

The content drew on the official IOAI 2026 syllabus, so as to align preparation with the areas assessed in competition. The IOAI 2026 At Home Tasks served as practical training material.
7

IOAI 2026, Astana
Completed

2 to 8 August 2026

Participation in the main competition: a two-day individual round and the Team Challenge.