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Fostering sustainable solutions across Africa
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge, a joint effort by MTN and WWF to inspire and support innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges across the continent.
This programme aligns with WWF’s global goals, its Africa Strategy, and its established practices. It also adds significant value to the Mobilising More for Climate (MM4C) Programme. Specifically, the challenge contributes to achieving WWF’s core objectives of zero habitat loss, preventing species extinction, and promoting healthy populations. Furthermore, WWF’s Africa Strategy, titled “Making Nature Count,” aims to ensure that the value of Africa’s natural capital is fully integrated into decision-making by governments, corporations, financial institutions, and society.
The programme spearheads MTN’s commitment to protecting our planet through climate entrepreneurship. By cultivating a pipeline of innovative African green enterprises that tackle local environmental challenges, we are empowering youth-led businesses and investing in a sustainable future for the continent. The programme engages youth-led SMEs in developing entrepreneurial solutions to current environmental challenges and advancing sustainability.

Discover the movement
Discover the purpose and origins of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge
Record-breaking temperatures and dwindling resources threaten Africa’s future. Young Africans, are a vulnerable group to climate impacts, they are also powerful change agents. By empowering youth through a just transition, we can unlock socio-economic development and build resilience. This initiative encourages SMEs and youth to create new ideas that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability using digital innovations.
From groundbreaking solutions in sustainable agriculture to innovations in healthcare and everyday essentials, last year’s finalists have shown the power of purpose-driven innovation.
2024 Winners
Since its inception in 2022 as a partnership between MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia, the PachiPanda programme has evolved into a key initiative. Recognising its success, the MTN Group scaled the challenge in 2024, expanding its reach to Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon. This strategic move has seen the programme receive 2,484 applications and develop 53 finalists through its dedicated pitch programme, significantly maximising its positive impact.
Our origins
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge builds on the success of the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge hosted by MTN Zambia which was delivered through a partnership between MTN Zambia and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2022 and 2023. This challenge expands and amplifies the competition through a partnership between MTN and the World Wildlife Fund.
Innovate for the future
Who is our focus?
We are working with young people (18 – 35 years), youth led SME’s, entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations that work towards sustainable development in participating countries and employees in these sectors, who are looking for ways to make their business sustainable.
How it works
Nigeria
PachiPanda Challenge winners
PachiPanda winners across various OPCOs have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to environmental sustainability. These talented individuals have developed creative solutions to address pressing local environmental challenges, showcasing the power of youth-led initiatives to drive positive change. Their projects highlight the potential for sustainable practices and inspire hope for a greener future
MTN Nigeria winners podium:
Osarode Stephen Odemwingi (first place)
Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel (second place)
Ebenezer Otiti Anyadiegwu (third place)
How it works
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) through its local partner, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria have launched the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, an innovation challenge designed to provide young people and youth-led SMEs the opportunity to develop innovative, long-term solutions and ideas to pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainability in Nigeria.
The challenge is part of the MTN’s Africa PachiPanda Challenge, designed to stimulate and champion innovative solutions that address urgent environmental challenges across the continent, in line with MTN’s climate entrepreneurship mandate and the group-wide sustainability strategy “Ambition 2025.”
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement that galvanises participants to think unconventionally, craft solutions that address immediate environmental challenges, and play an active role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of their communities.
The PachiPanda Challenge will:
- Discover and incubate young people and youth-led SMEs with innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Increase the participation of young people in environmental sustainability in Nigeria and provide a springboard platform for growth in terms of rewarding and scaling their innovation.
- Enhance young people’s knowledge of environmental challenges and community-led sustainable solutions.
- Provide an opportunity for young people to participate and showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to sustainability.
- Support innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, including climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
- Demonstrate how partnership between corporate sector players like MTN and NPOs can drive significant progress in addressing environmental challenges.
Challenge statements
The PachiPanda Challenge invites young entrepreneurs and SMEs from Nigeria (university and college students) to enter their solutions to the challenge statements on:
1. Pollution [solutions focusing on improved waste management]
Our activities generate large amounts of waste, with dump sites a common sight in our cities, towns and villages. Despite best efforts at waste management, waste still constitutes significant pollution threats across Nigeria with attendant health and environmental risks.
How can you innovatively transform waste management in Nigeria to reduce pollution, address health and environmental hazards and build sustainability? You can share solutions for business or industrial sectors, behavioural, artistic and tech solutions.
2. Climate Change [solutions focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gases]
Human activities emit greenhouse gases – mainly carbon dioxide and methane, which are the major drivers of climate change. The effects of climate change include, among others, severe drought, water scarcity, rising sea levels, flooding and biodiversity loss.
How can you inspire innovative solutions in Nigeria’s homes and businesses to reduce emissions, fight climate change and build resilience?
3. Community Conservation [Solutions focusing on biodiversity protection and community-led conservation efforts for improved livelihood]
Conservation is most powerful when it is people-driven, designed to improve livelihood and well-being. Across Nigeria, local communities live closest to nature and hold traditional knowledge and practices that can protect ecosystems. Yet, these same communities often face poverty, limited infrastructure, and restricted access to education or resources, factors that can lead to unsustainable environmental practices.
How can you co-create a future where communities are empowered to lead conservation efforts, drive change through communal wisdom, innovation, and stewardship?
To submit an entry to any of the challenge statements, you are required to answer the following questions on the designated portal
1. Briefly describe your innovative idea or solution (Maximum of 200 words)
2. What makes your idea or solution outstanding and deserving of selection? (Maximum of 200 words)
3. How would your idea or solution impact people at the community, national and international levels? (Maximum 200 words)
4. Provide a detailed description of your innovative idea or solution, including evidence/proof of concept (Maximum of 2000 words)
Rules
Rules and eligibility:
- The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in Nigeria.
- Participants should be between 18 and 35.
- You may participate as an individual or form a team of a maximum of three members.
- Young entrepreneurs or youth-led SMEs with early or idea stage solutions are free to participate, with a maximum of three members.
- All participants must register online and submit entries through the designated portal before the deadline.
- Participants should provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
- MTN Nigeria, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria employees, and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
- Participants found in violation of the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge “Terms and Conditions ” or suspected of fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
- The organising committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.
Local partners

Timelines
The PachiPanda Challenge will run from August – November 2025.
Application portal opens ……… 29th August 2025
Application portal closes ……… 3rd October 2025
Top 100 Announcement …….. 24th October 2025
Top 10 Announcement ………. 11th November 2025
Pitch day event ……… 24th – 26th November 2025
Winner Announcements …….. 26th November 2025
Prizes
First (1st) Position - ₦ 3,000,000
Second (2nd) Position - ₦ 2,000,000
Third (3rd) Position - ₦ 1,500,000
The top winner/s will be representing Nigeria at the Grand Finale in South Africa, along with winners from other countries.
Contact us
Sustainability and Shared Value Team
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
sustainability.ng@mtn.com

South Africa
PachiPanda Challenge winners
PachiPanda winners across various OPCOs have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to environmental sustainability. These talented individuals have developed creative solutions to address pressing local environmental challenges, showcasing the power of youth-led initiatives to drive positive change. Their projects highlight the potential for sustainable practices and inspire hope for a greener future
MTN South Africa winners podium:
Moses Zvivanashe (first place)
Ismael Phalana (second place)
Keletso Lehoko (third place)
How it works
MTN South Africa in collaboration with WWF South Africa and the Nedbank Foundation launched the 2024 PachiPanda Challenge in South Africa.
This initiative aims to mobilise the youth and youth-led SMEs to create tech-based solutions to address current environmental challenges and to promote the objectives of the Just Energy Transition in South Africa.
The PachiPanda Challenge:
- Calls upon youth and youth-led SMEs to create and develop innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Capacitates and empowers the South African youth to address environmental challenges experienced in the country.
- Increases the participation of young people in environmental sustainability and climate action in South Africa.
- Promotes entrepreneurship in the green economy to facilitate increase of green jobs.
- Enhances young people’s knowledge of climate change challenges and community-led sustainable solutions.
- Support innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Challenge statements
MTN South Africa in collaboration with WWF South Africa and the Nedbank Foundation launched the 2024 PachiPanda Challenge in South Africa.
This initiative aims to mobilise the youth and youth-led SMEs to create tech-based solutions to address current environmental challenges and to promote the objectives of the Just Energy Transition in South Africa.
The PachiPanda Challenge:
- Calls upon youth and youth-led SMEs to create and develop innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Capacitates and empowers the South African youth to address environmental challenges experienced in the country.
- Increases the participation of young people in environmental sustainability and climate action in South Africa.
- Promotes entrepreneurship in the green economy to facilitate increase of green jobs.
- Enhances young people’s knowledge of climate change challenges and community-led sustainable solutions.
- Support innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Rules
Rules and eligibility:
- The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in South Africa.
- Participants should be between 16 and 35 years old.
- You may participate as an individual or form a team of maximum three members.
- Youth-led SMEs with early or idea stage solutions are free to participate.
- All participants must register online and submit entries through the designated portal before the deadline.
- Participants should provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
- MTN SA and WWF South Africa employees, and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
- Participants found in violation of the PachiPanda Challenge “Terms and Conditions” or suspected of fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
- The organising committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.
Local partners


Timelines
Applications ……… TBC
Top 100 Announcement …….. TBC
Top 10 Announcement ………. TBC
Pitch day event ……… TBC
Winner Announcements …….. TBC
Prizes
First (1st) Position – R 94 000
Second (2nd) Position – R 56 400
Third (3rd) Position – R 37 600
The top winner/s will be representing South Africa at the Grand Finale, along with winners from other countries.
Contact us
pachipanda@empirepartnerfoundation.org

Zambia
PachiPanda Challenge winners
PachiPanda winners across various OPCOs have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to environmental sustainability. These talented individuals have developed creative solutions to address pressing local environmental challenges, showcasing the power of youth-led initiatives to drive positive change. Their projects highlight the potential for sustainable practices and inspire hope for a greener future
MTN Zambia winners podium:
Wandi Siame (first place)
Barnabus Chiti (second place)
Samuel Mkandawire (third place)
How it works
Pachipanda Innovation Challenge 4.0
The MTN Zambia Foundation and WWF Zambia have launched the Pachipanda Innovation Challenge 4.0, an exciting initiative that empowers young people and youth-led SMEs to develop innovative, long-term solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The challenge promotes sustainability and green entrepreneurship across Africa.
About the Challenge
Originally designed in Zambia in 2022, the Pachipanda Innovation Challenge has grown into a continental movement. In 2024, it expanded to include Cameroon, Nigeria, and South Africa, forming the Africa Pachipanda Challenge. National winners from each country now compete at the continental level for additional seed funding, training, and exposure.
What the Challenge Offers
1. Seed Funding
• 1st Place: $5,000
• 2nd Place: $3,000
• 3rd Place: $2,000
2. Mentorship & Training
• Expert mentorship through a human-centered design sprint.
• Training in business modeling, customer identification, and value proposition development.
3. Pan-African Exposure
• Winners advance to the continental Pachipanda Contest to compete with innovators across Africa.
4. Startup Support
• Top 10 teams receive ongoing support to become investment-ready.
5. Networking Opportunities
• Connect with investors, stakeholders, and fellow innovators.
6. Focus on Environmental Innovation
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Smart water management
• Waste management and recycling
• Drought and energy challenges
Challenge statements
Tagline: Plant. Protect. Provide.
Overarching Theme: Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security
Challenge 1: Innovate for Climate Change!
Calling all youth! Join the Pachipanda Innovation Challenge and unleash your creative genius to develop green solutions that heal our planet and combat climate change. Be a pioneer in shaping Zambia’s future with your bold ideas!.
Challenge 2: Energise Zambia!
Power up your imagination! Zambia faces growing energy and water challenges, and we need your groundbreaking solutions. From renewable energy innovations to smart water management systems, your ideas can help power our cities and farms sustainably. Let’s protect our natural resources and provide clean, reliable energy and water for all.
Challenge 3: Grow Smart, Eat Smart!
Jump into the future of farming! We’re looking for digital-age agricultural innovations that embrace smart, sustainable techniques. Your tech-driven solutions can help secure food for our communities, improve nutrition, and build climate-resilient food systems. Plant the seeds of change and help nourish tomorrow.
Challenge 4: Recycle Revolution!
Join the waste management movement! We need your tech-savvy ideas to transform recycling and waste reduction into everyday habits. From circular economy models to community-driven recycling innovations, your solutions can protect our environment and provide cleaner, healthier spaces for all.
Rules
RULES AND ELIGIBILITY
The PachiPanda Innovations Challenge 2025 is designed to empower and showcase innovative solutions by Zambian youth. To ensure fair participation and impactful outcomes, the following rules and eligibility criteria apply:
i. The Challenge is open to Zambian youth aged between 18 and 35 years.
ii. Participants may enter individually or as part of a team, with a maximum of three members per team.
iii. Youth-led SMEs with early-stage or existing solutions are encouraged to apply (maximum of three team members).
iv. Preference will be given to innovations that have a proof of concept and are already operational or in pilot phase.
v. Each team must designate 1 representative who has access to a laptop and can commit to a 2-week intensive training program aimed at enhancing their project.
vi. All participants must register online and submit their entries via the designated portal before the stated deadline.
vii. Participants must provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
viii. Employees of MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia, as well as their immediate family members, are not eligible to participate.
ix. Any participant found to violate the PachiPanda Challenge Terms and Conditions, or involved in fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour, will be disqualified.
x. The organising committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its sole discretion.
Local partners



Timelines
Launch :……….10th September 2025
Info Session 1:……….12th September 2025
Info Session 2:……….19th September 2025
Info Session 3:……….26th September 2025
Final Info Session:……….3rd October 2025
Call for applications close:……….10th October 2025
Announce 100 Selected Participants:……….17th October 2025
Virtual Incubation:……….20th Oct – 1st Nov 2025
Announcement of top 10 finalists:………5th November 2025
Sprint Week :……….10th – 14th November 2025
Final Pitch Day:………..15th November 2025
Prizes
First (1st) Position - $5000
Second (2nd) Position - $ 3,000
Third (3rd) Position - $2,000
Contact us
smwanjala@wwfzam.org
lisa.mulozi@mtn.com

Cameroon
PachiPanda Challenge winners
PachiPanda winners across various OPCOs have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to environmental sustainability. These talented individuals have developed creative solutions to address pressing local environmental challenges, showcasing the power of youth-led initiatives to drive positive change. Their projects highlight the potential for sustainable practices and inspire hope for a greener future
MTN Cameroon winners podium:
Moses Afopezi and Justin Etogo (first place)
Sindy Njonguo (second place)
Jean Blaise Seka and Philemon Tebo (third place)
How it works
MTN Cameroon and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), partnered to launch the 2024 PachiPanda Challenge in Cameroon. This initiative encourages youths and youth-led SMEs to propose tech-based innovations to tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability practices.
The PachiPanda Challenge:
- Discovers and incubates youth and youth-led SMEs with innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Increases the participation of young people in environmental sustainability and climate change in Cameroon.
- Enhances young people’s knowledge of climate change challenges and community-led sustainable solutions.
- Supports innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges including the pressing matter of climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
Challenge statements
The PachiPanda Challenge invites young entrepreneurs and SMEs from Cameroon (university and college students) to enter their solutions to the challenge statements on:
1.0 Sustainable Waste Management
Develop an innovative solution that addresses comprehensive waste management. The solution should aim to improve collecting, recycling and upcycling methods, and engage communities in sustainable waste practices. On the long term, the innovation should contribute to the implementation of a circular economy (Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse). Benefiting the environment and providing financial incentives to all participants in the value chain.
Demonstrate how technology can be used to sustainably improve waste management.
2.0 Water and Energy Resilience:
The current energy challenges experienced in Cameroon are impacting businesses and livelihoods. We are calling out for innovative sustainable energy solutions to develop technologies that will reduce dependency on water levels for power generation. And ideas to create smart water management systems for conservation in rural and urban areas are needed.
What innovative technological solution can you propose to improve water and energy resilience?
3.0 Community Development
Cameroonian communities face many environmental challenges, including floods, deforestation, coastal erosion, desertification, extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, and drought.
Provide an innovative solution to an environmental challenge in your community using technology while focusing on the solution’s long-term sustainability.
Rules
Rules and eligibility:
- The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in Cameroon.
- Participants should be between 16 and 35.
- You may participate as an individual or form a mixed team of maximum three (03) members.
- Youth-led SMEs with early or idea stage solutions are free to participate, maximum of three members.
- All participants must register online and submit entries through the designated portal before the deadline.
- Participants should provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
- MTN Cameroon and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) employees, and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
- Participants found in violation of the PachiPanda Challenge “Terms and Conditions” or suspected of fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
- The organising committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.
Local partners



Timelines
Applications ……… TBC
Top 100 Announcement …….. TBC
Top 10 Announcement ………. TBC
Pitch day event ……… TBC
Winner Announcements …….. TBC
Prizes
First (1st) Position – XAF 3,000,000
Second (2nd) Position – XAF 2,000,000
Third (3rd) Position – XAF 1,500,000
The top 3 winners will be representing Cameroon at the Grand Finale in South Africa, along with winners from other countries.
Contact us
Sustainability.Cm@mtn.com
Uganda
How it works
MTN Uganda Limited and the World Wide Fund have partnered to launch the PachiPanda Challenge for Uganda in 2025. This initiative will encourage youths and youth-led SMEs to create new ideas that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability through technological solutions.
The PachiPanda Challenge:
- Discovers and incubates youth and youth-led SMEs with innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Increases the participation of young people in environmental sustainability and climate change in Uganda.
- Enhances young people’s knowledge of climate change challenges and community-led sustainable solutions.
- Supports innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges including the pressing matter of climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
Challenge statements
The PachiPanda Challenge invites young entrepreneurs and SMEs from Uganda (university and college students) to enter their solutions to the challenge statements on:
Challenge Statement 1: Sustainable Waste Management
We invite bold, tech-driven, and community-centered solutions that improve collection and recycling, turn waste into value (products or energy), use digital tools to manage and incentivize disposal, and empower youth and communities in the circular economy.
Challenge Statement 2: Deforestation and Ecosystem Degradation
We invite innovative ideas that promote clean cooking alternatives, sustainable forestry, digital monitoring of forest cover, and community-driven restoration models that create green jobs and conserve biodiversity.
Challenge Statement 3: Green Energy Solutions
We invite innovative solutions that deliver affordable renewable energy (solar, wind, biogas, mini-grids), reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood, and create inclusive business models that empower rural communities, youth, and women.
Challenge Statement 4: Smart Agriculture
We invite solutions that use digital tools (apps, sensors, data analytics, drones), climate-smart practices, and market linkages to improve yields, reduce waste, and strengthen farmer livelihoods—while protecting soil, water, and ecosystems.
Rules
- The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in Uganda.
- Participants should be between 16 and 35.
- You may participate as an individual or form a team of maximum three members.
- Youth-led SMEs with early or idea stage solutions are free to participate, maximum of three members.
- All participants must register online and submit entries through the designated portal before the deadline.
- Participants should provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
- MTN Uganda and employees, and their immediate families, are not eligible to participate.
- Participants found in violation of the PachiPanda Challenge “Terms and Conditions” or suspected of fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behaviour, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
- The organising committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.
Local partners


Timelines
The PachiPanda Challenge will run from August – November 2025.
Applications open ……… 28th August 2025
Applications close ……… 30th September 2025
Top 100 Announcement …….. 23rd October 2025
Top 10 Announcement ………. 7th October 2025
Pitch day event ……… 27th – 30th November 2025
Winner Announcements …….. 30th November 2025
Prizes
First (1st) Position – UGX 15,000,000
Second (2nd) Position – UGX 10,000,000
Third (3rd) Position – UGX 5,000,00
The top 3 winners will be representing Uganda at the Grand Finale in South Africa, along with winners from other countries.
Contact us
sustainability.ug@mtn.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Background
What is the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge is a collaborative initiative between MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is designed to inspire and support the development of innovative, youth-driven solutions that address critical environmental challenges across the African continent. The challenge empowers participants to contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship within their communities.
Who are the organisers of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge is jointly organised by MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This strategic partnership brings together MTN’s commitment to digital and social innovation and WWF’s global leadership in environmental conservation to drive impactful, youth-led solutions across the continent.
What is the history of the partnership between MTN and WWF? 
MTN and WWF have a history of collaboration on initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges. For instance, in Zambia, they successfully concluded the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge, which inspired the creation of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge. The partnership between MTN and WWF is a testament to their shared commitment to fostering innovation and driving environmental sustainability.
What was the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge?
The PachiPanda Innovation Challenge was a joint initiative by WWF Zambia and MTN Zambia Foundation that aimed to encourage and support innovative solutions to Zambia’s pressing environmental challenges. The success of this initiative led to the creation of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge.
Why was the Africa PachiPanda Challenge created? 
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge was created to expand the scope of the successful PachiPanda Innovation Challenge to include innovators from African countries. This reflects MTN and WWF’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving environmental sustainability on a larger scale.
What is the goal of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The goal of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge is to inspire young people and youth-led SMEs to develop innovative solutions that address immediate environmental challenges and contribute to the long-term sustainability of their communities.
General information
Who can participate in the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The challenge is open to young people between 18 and 35 and youth-led SMEs from select African countries.
What is the timeline for the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The 2025 edition of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge concludes in 2026. Information regarding the timeline for the next edition will be announced in due course. We encourage all interested participants to stay informed by regularly visiting our official website and following our social media channels.
What is the process of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The challenge will take place in two phases. During phase one, applications in each country will be shortlisted. Following this, selected participants will form teams of up to three members and undergo a human-centred design process during a sprint week. This process will involve business modelling, customer identification, and developing unique value propositions. The teams will then have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to a selected panel of industry experts, with the winning teams walking away with prizes valued at 5000 USD and advancing to stage 2 – the Pan-African contest, where they compete in the final.
What are the benefits of participating in the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The challenge provides a platform for young innovators to contribute to their communities and the wider continent, creating solutions that address environmental and social issues. It also offers the opportunity to connect with a wide network of like-minded individuals, potential investors, and stakeholders, amplifying the visibility and impact of their projects.
How can I apply for the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
Interested participants can find more information about how to apply at www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge.
What do winners of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge receive?
For the 2025 Challenge, first-prize winning teams from each participating country received prizes valued at 5,000 USD. These teams also advanced to the Pan-African PachiPanda Contest, where they competed in the grand finale.
Details and prize structures for future editions of the Challenge will be announced in due course. We encourage interested participants to stay informed by visiting our official website or following our verified social media platforms.
Who are the judges for the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? 
The judging panel for the Africa PachiPanda Challenge comprises respected industry experts drawn from a range of relevant fields. The names and professional profiles of the judges will be announced closer to the date of the challenge. Please keep an eye on our official website and verified social media channels for updates.
Terms and conditions
By clicking “Read Now,” you agree to review and understand MTN’s PachiPanda’s Terms and Conditions. These terms govern your use of our services and products.