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.

Winners’ profiles

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

Driving change
through innovation
This Challenge is a unique platform that encourages young people and youth-led SMEs to develop innovative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges in their country.
Empowering the
leaders of tomorrow
The Challenge is an opportunity for the youth of participating countries to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to sustainability.
Partnership for
greater impact
This joint initiative demonstrates how partnerships between the corporate sector and NPO’s can drive significant progress in addressing environmental challenges.
Rewarding and scaling
innovation
The challenges offer more than a platform for innovation; they provide a springboard for growth.
Commitment to a
sustainable future
The launch of these challenges underscores MTN and WWF's unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. It aligns with global efforts to combat environmental challenges and contributes to the achievement of the UN SDGs.
A call to make a
difference
Young innovators of participating countries have been called to rise to this challenge. They are using this opportunity to make a difference in their communities and countries. See country specific details below

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

flag select
country

Nigeria

PachiPanda Challenge winnerschevron

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)

Osarode Stephen Odemwingi (first place)

Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel (second place)

Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel (second place)

Ebenezer Otiti Anyadiegwu (third place)

Ebenezer Otiti Anyadiegwu (third place)

How it workschevron

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 statementschevron

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)

 

 

Ruleschevron

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

partner-logo
partner-logo

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

  • prize icon First (1st) Position - ₦ 3,000,000
  • prize icon Second (2nd) Position - ₦ 2,000,000
  • prize icon 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.

Enter now

Contact us

Sustainability and Shared Value Team
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc

  • contact iconsustainability.ng@mtn.com
country

South Africa

PachiPanda Challenge winnerschevron

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)

Moses Zvivanashe (first place)

Ismael Phalana (second place)

Ismael Phalana (second place)

Keletso Lehoko (third place)

Keletso Lehoko (third place)

How it workschevron

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 statementschevron

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.
Ruleschevron

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

partner-logo
partner-logo
partner-logo

Timelines

Applications ……… TBC

Top 100 Announcement …….. TBC

Top 10 Announcement ………. TBC

Pitch day event ……… TBC

Winner Announcements …….. TBC

Prizes

  • prize icon First (1st) Position – R 94 000
  • prize icon Second (2nd) Position – R 56 400
  • prize icon 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.

Closed

Contact us

  • contact iconpachipanda@empirepartnerfoundation.org
country

Zambia

PachiPanda Challenge winnerschevron

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)

Wandi Siame (first place)

Barnabus Chiti (second place)

Barnabus Chiti (second place)

Samuel Mkandawire (third place)

Samuel Mkandawire (third place)

How it workschevron

The MTN Zambia Foundation and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia partnered to launch the 2024 Pachipanda Innovation Challenge (Pachipanda 3.0). This initiative provides a platform for Zambian youth and youth-led small and medium enterprises to submit technology-based initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges that Zambia is currently facing due to climate change.

 

The PachiPanda Challenge:

  • Encourages Zambian youths and youth-led SMEs to submit innovative tech-based initiatives addressing climate change issues.
  • Provides support and guidance to the top 10 finalists to equip them with the necessary skills to advance their projects.
  • Increases the involvement of young people in understanding and addressing climate change challenges and sustainable community solutions.
  • Backs innovative and sustainable environmental solutions, particularly focusing on climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
Challenge statementschevron

The Pachipanda Innovation Challenge invites young Zambian entrepreneurs and youth-led SMEs to submit their solutions to the challenge statements.

 

Youth-led Green Innovations & Technologies:

The Pachi Panda Innovation Challenge is a call to action for all young innovators and techies (or tech geeks) to devise solutions that restore the balance of nature and tackle the effects of climate change negatively impacting communities. Join the many youths taking the lead in shaping Zambia’s innovations, technologies, and ideations for climate action.

 

Green Entrepreneurship & Skills for Youths:

Inspire the next generation of green entrepreneurs and skills developers in championing Zambia’s pathways to a green economy through sustainable business ideations, technologies, and innovations that provide solutions to Zambia’s climate crisis and environmental challenges.

 

Energy and Water Resilience:

The current drought experienced in Zambia has led to nationwide load-shedding 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. Ideas to create smart water management systems for conservation in rural and urban areas are needed.

 

Food security, sustainable agriculture, and waste management:

Identify smart agriculture techniques using digital technology for smart irrigation focused on drought-resistant crops. Calling on ideas that develop tech-driven waste management solutions to reduce pollution, improve public health, and promote recycling.

Ruleschevron

Rules and eligibility:

  • The Challenge is open to Zambian youths.
  • Participants should be between 16 and 35.
  • You may participate as an individual or form a team of a maximum of 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 Zambia and WWF Zambia 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 behavior, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
  • The organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.

Local partners

partner-logo
partner-logo
partner-logo

Timelines

Applications ……… TBC

Top 100 Announcement …….. TBC

Top 10 Announcement ………. TBC

Pitch day event ……… TBC

Winner Announcements …….. TBC

Prizes

  • prize icon First (1st) Position - $5000
  • prize icon Second (2nd) Position - $ 3,000
  • prize icon Third (3rd) Position - $2,000
Closed

Contact us

  • contact iconswenny.mwanjala@mtn.com
  • contact iconwwfzambia@wwfzam.org
country

Cameroon

PachiPanda Challenge winnerschevron

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)

Moses Afopezi and Justin Etogo (first place)

Sindy Njonguo (second place)

Sindy Njonguo (second place)

Jean Blaise Seka and Philemon Tebo (third place)

Jean Blaise Seka and Philemon Tebo (third place)

How it workschevron

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 statementschevron

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. 

Ruleschevron

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

partner-logo
partner-logo
partner-logo

Timelines

Applications ……… TBC

Top 100 Announcement …….. TBC

Top 10 Announcement ………. TBC

Pitch day event ……… TBC

Winner Announcements …….. TBC

Prizes

  • prize icon First (1st) Position – XAF 3,000,000
  • prize icon Second (2nd) Position – XAF 2,000,000
  • prize icon 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.

Closed

Contact us

  • contact iconSustainability.Cm@mtn.com
country

Uganda

How it workschevron

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 statementschevron

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.

Ruleschevron
  • 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

partner-logo
partner-logo

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

  • prize icon First (1st) Position – UGX 15,000,000
  • prize icon Second (2nd) Position – UGX 10,000,000
  • prize icon 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.

Enter Now

Contact us

  • contact iconsustainability.ug@mtn.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Background

What is the Africa PachiPanda Challenge? expand question

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? expand question

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? expand question

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?expand question

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? expand question

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? expand question

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? expand answer

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? expand answer

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? expand answer

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? expand answer

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? expand answer

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?expand answer

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? expand answer

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.

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