Overview

As climate-related risks intensify, a new generation of climate entrepreneurs is emerging across Africa with solutions that address environmental challenges while creating local economic opportunity. Supporting these climate-focused ventures is an environmentally responsible step that also strengthens local economies, enhances resilience, and builds leadership capacity among young people.

Africa’s demographic profile and environmental context present a unique opportunity. Youth-led innovation can play a catalytic role in tackling issues such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and land degradation, while also advancing inclusive growth and community development. Enabling these ventures contributes to MTN’s broader ambition to foster sustainable, local solutions that reflect the realities and priorities of the continent.

Response

The Africa PachiPanda Challenge was designed to meet two core objectives: advancing environmentally focused innovation and contributing to local socioeconomic development. Building on the momentum of MTN Zambia’s Innovation Challenge in 2022 and 2023, the initiative was expanded into a multi-country programme in 2024, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

In 2024, the competition was rolled out by MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa, and MTN Zambia, aligned with our Group-wide sustainability strategy and commitment to climate entrepreneurship.

The programme received 2,298 applications, reflecting strong interest and readiness across markets. Finalists were selected to participate in a pitch and development programme, with 30 participants supported through tailored training and capacity-building. 

Impacts and achievements

Through scaling and replication, the Africa PachiPanda Programme has been implemented across multiple MTN markets to maximise its positive impact. The 2024 challenge received 2 298 applications, with 30 finalists supported through a structured pitch and development programme. The initiative surfaced a pipeline of early-stage ventures, many of which address highly localised environmental risks. The selected entrepreneurs demonstrated practical, solutions-oriented thinking and a clear commitment to sustainability, reflecting the growing depth and potential of Africa’s climate innovation landscape.

Outlook

The Challenge will expand to include Uganda, , as part of MTN’s goal to support a broader ecosystem of green entrepreneurs. The programme aims to contribute to job creation, innovation in the green economy, and community-level resilience by enabling climate-smart ventures to grow and scale.

As we continue to invest in youth-led climate entrepreneurship, we remain committed to supporting solutions that are both environmentally impactful and economically viable, helping drive a more sustainable and inclusive future across our footprint.