Kenya’s Zetech University has made history on the continental stage after its student teams excelled at the 2025 Pan-African Robotics Competition (PARC), held in Dakar, Senegal, from July 17 to 19.
The University, represented by six teams under its prestigious AI League, dazzled judges with cutting-edge solutions that showcased creativity, resilience, and advanced technical know-how.
Zetech students emerged among the top ten finalists in Africa, clinching two medals and a special award.
The standout victories included a Silver Medal for Team Safari Innovation, a Bronze Medal for the MinerAI Team, and a Special Award for Best Live Demonstration, positioning Zetech as one of the continent’s leading institutions in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Among the groundbreaking projects was MinerAI Team’s satellite-driven surveillance system designed to detect illegal mining by cross-referencing satellite imagery with a verified database of registered mine coordinates.
The system, lauded for its potential in supporting regulators and safeguarding the environment, was described by judges as “a practical innovation with immediate real-world impact.”
Meanwhile, Team Safari Innovation wowed the jury with Deepmine Sentinel AI, a deep-learning tool that predicts underground mine stability.
By analyzing mining stope conditions, the system aims to prevent deadly collapses and improve safety in mining operations across Africa.
Speaking after the awards, Prof. Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, hailed the victory as a turning point for the institution.
”This achievement is a proud moment for the entire Zetech University community. It reflects the power of hands-on learning, bold innovation, and the drive of our students to tackle real-world problems with smart, scalable solutions. We remain committed to equipping our learners with the tools and exposure needed to lead Kenya and Africa into a tech-driven future.”
One of the elated participants, a member of Team Safari, described the competition as life-changing.
“Participating in the AI League Challenge at PARC 2025 was a transformative experience. Our project, Deepmine Sentinel AI, focused on developing a stope stability prediction system to enhance safety in mining operations. It was exciting to see our solution resonate with judges and fellow innovators across Africa. We’re proud to be part of the journey shaping Africa’s tech future.”
The Pan-African Robotics Competition brought together some of the brightest young minds from across the continent, with teams tackling pressing challenges through robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
With this triumph, Professor Munene said Zetech University has once again cemented its place as a continental trailblazer in technology and innovation, reaffirming Kenya’s growing influence in Africa’s digital revolution.
KBC Digital
