Accra: The fifth edition of the Annual Impact Roundtable Discussions (AIRTAD) and Robotics Competition is set to take place from February 24 to 27, 2026, with the main sessions scheduled for February 26 and 27 at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon.
According to Ghana Web, the event is organised under the Yamoransa Model (YM) Labs Programme, funded by the Helping Africa Foundation (HAF) and managed by IMPLEMENTERS. This year's discussions will focus on the theme 'Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce Through Education and Innovation,' emphasizing the future of STEAM education and workforce preparedness in Africa.
Over the past five years, AIRTAD has evolved into a platform that gathers students, educators, policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors. The forum facilitates dialogue on education outcomes, showcases student-led innovation, and explores approaches to building skills relevant to a changing labour market.
The roundtable discussions also spotlight the work of the Yamoransa Model Labs Programme, initiated in 2016 to enhance access to ICT, STEAM, and digital skills education in underserved communities in Ghana, Liberia, and The Gambia. The programme targets primary, junior, and senior high school students through hands-on learning approaches, including robotics and technology-based projects.
The 2026 edition will feature activities such as robotics competitions, exhibitions, debates, career pathway discussions, and an awards ceremony recognizing student innovation across West Africa. The programme will unfold in two phases, with preliminary robotics quiz competitions and exhibitions scheduled for February 24 and 25 at Academic City University, followed by the main AIRTAD convening on February 26 and 27 at the University of Ghana's Cedi Conference Centre.
Organisers aim to expand the platform's reach by increasing participation and engagement in the 2026 edition.