Ghana’s growing reputation in youth innovation received a major boost as students from My Redeemer School secured third place at the 2025 Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale in Geneva, an achievement made possible through the support of the Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF), led by its Founder and Head of Mission, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett.
Held as part of the AI for Good Global Summit, the international competition challenged student teams to design robots capable of supporting disaster response efforts.
Ahead of their departure, the students also benefited from a professionalism and leadership training program organized by the Diaspora Africa Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAF-Y.E.T.C.), a dedicated youth development initiative established by DAF. The training focused on preparing the students for global exposure, equipping them with skills in leadership development, personal growth, communication, and ethical responsibility.
The students also benefited from a professionalism and leadership training program organized by the Diaspora Africa Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAF-Y.E.T.C.).
DAF-Y.E.T.C. center focuses on “empowering African youth through mentorship, leadership training, and life skills development” to prepare them for both local and international opportunities. Through this program, the students were introduced to key workplace competencies, team-building practices, and professional etiquette to help them transition from academic spaces to professional environments.
Redeemer Tech, the robotics team from My Redeemer School in Sowutuom, developed a disaster-response robot that impressed judges with its practical design and innovative technology, earning Ghana a top three finish in the Junior category.
However, behind their success, was a coordinated effort led by the Diaspora Africa Forum, a diplomatic mission based in Accra working to connect Africa with its diaspora.
DAF, under the leadership of Ambassador Bennett, mobilized financial resources to support the team’s participation in Switzerland.
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge brought together young innovators from across the world, with this year’s focus on disaster response.
Using open-source tools and accessible technology, participants were required to create robots capable of navigating hazardous environments, delivering emergency supplies, and locating survivors.
Redeemer Tech’s success followed their victory at Ghana’s national qualifying competition, organized by The MakersPlace, where they emerged champions in both the Junior and Senior categories.
This qualification granted them the opportunity to compete internationally, where they showcased their project and networked with global technology leaders.
A high-level delegation from Ghana, including officials from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, the National Communications Authority, Ghana Digital Centers Ltd, and The MakersPlace, accompanied the students to Geneva.
While government and institutional partners provided logistical support, DAF’s financial mobilization played a key role in facilitating success during the team’s journey to Switzerland.
For DAF, whose focus includes supporting youth development, and education initiatives across Africa, this intervention forms part of its broader mission of empowerment through diaspora engagement.
Dr. Bennett’s leadership in this effort reflects the mission’s commitment to bridging resources between Africa and its diaspora to support the continent’s growth.
Following their success, Redeemer Tech participated in exhibitions and pitch sessions at the AI for Good Global Summit, representing Ghana in discussions about the future of robotics and artificial intelligence in addressing humanitarian challenges.
The 2025–2026 edition of the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge has now been announced, with a new focus on food security. Schools across Ghana are encouraged to register for the next competition cycle.
For the Diaspora Africa Forum, this achievement marks another step in its ongoing work to create opportunities for young Africans, demonstrating how diaspora support can help overcome barriers and enable African talent to shine globally.
By: Joshua Narh.