PachiPanda Challenge |

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Challenge Africa PachiPanda Challenge is an innovation programme for youth aged 18–35, advancing entrepreneurial solutions to environmental challenges rooted in the food, energy, and water nexus. It fosters sustainability through technology, creativity, and green enterprise across Africa.

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 Our objectives Fostering green business Originating green, sustainable business solutions. Empowering young leaders Increasing participation of youth in sustainability. Equipping youth climate action Enhancing youth climate knowledge and community led sustainable solutions. 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 Select your country of residence * Select your country Nigeria South Africa Zambia Cameroon Uganda 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

Select year of challenge* Select year 2024 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.

Closed 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

Select year of challenge* Select year 2024 MTN South Africa winners podium:

Moses Zvivanashe (first place)

Ismael Phalana (second place)

Keletso Lehoko (third place)

How it works MTN South Africa, in partnership with Nedbank, has introduced the 2025 Pachi Panda Challenge. This initiative is designed to inspire young people and youth-led SMEs to create technology-driven solutions that tackle urgent environmental issues, while supporting South Africa’s Just Transition goals.

 

The PachiPanda Challenge:
Encourages youth and youth-led SMEs to design and implement innovative, sustainable solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Equips and empowers South African youth to address the country’s environmental challenges.
Boosts youth involvement in environmental sustainability and climate action within South Africa.
Fosters entrepreneurship in the green economy to drive sustainable job creation.

Expands young people’s understanding of climate change and community-based sustainable solutions. Supports the development of innovative and sustainable responses to environmental challenges.

Challenge statements The PachiPanda Challenge invites young entrepreneurs and SMEs from South Africa between the ages of 18 and 35 to enter their solutions to the challenge statements on:

 

Challenge Statement 1: Energy: Plugging Into Greener Power
Develop a tech-based solution that makes clean, affordable, and reliable energy accessible to communities. Your solution could focus on integrating renewable sources, improving local storage and usage, turning waste into energy, or creating smart systems that connect decentralised energy to the main grid. The goal is to reduce load-shedding impacts, improve energy access in underserved areas, and build a more resilient energy future for South Africa.

 

Challenge Statement 2: Waste Management: From Waste to Worth
Create a tech-enabled solution that transforms the way South Africa manages waste. Ideas may include improving household or community recycling, supporting informal waste reclaimers with better systems, upcycling plastics and organic waste into valuable products, or tracking waste flows with digital tools. The aim is to reduce landfill pressure, increase recycling rates, and unlock opportunities for jobs and circular economy businesses.

 

Challenge Statement 3: Water Conservation: Making Every Drop Count
Design a tech-driven solution that strengthens water security for South Africa. This could include affordable leak detection tools, smart metering, stormwater management, wastewater reuse, or rural water access innovations. The goal is to help households, farmers, and municipalities use water more efficiently, prevent pollution, and adapt to droughts and climate variability.

 

Challenge Statement 4: Sustainable Agriculture: Digital Fields, Better Yields
Build a tech-based solution that helps smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and improve productivity. Focus areas could include precision watering and soil monitoring, affordable weather and pest advisory systems, post-harvest storage and logistics, or digital marketplaces that connect farmers to finance and markets. The solution should improve food security, protect livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Rules Rules and eligibility:

The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in South Africa. Participants should be between 18 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 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 Open ……… 30 September 2025

Applications close ……… 17 October 2025

Top 10 Announcement ………. 31 October 2025

Pitch day event ……… 27 November 2025

Winner Announcements …….. 27 November 2025

Prizes First (1st) Position – prizes to the value of R 87 000 Second (2nd) Position – prizes to the value of R 52 000 Third (3rd) Position – prizes to the value of R 35 000 The top winner/s will be representing South Africa at the Grand Finale, along with winners from other countries.

Closed Contact us pachipanda@indaloinclusive.org.za 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

Select year of challenge* Select year 2024 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

Applications Close :………..31st October 2025

Announcement of Semi finalists:………3rd November 2025

Virtual Incubation:………….5th -19th November 2025

Sprint Week:………..24th – 28th November 2025

Pitch Day:…………29th November 2025

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

Select year of challenge* Select year 2024 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 2025 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 Food Security

The stability of our food systems in Cameroon is increasingly compromised by unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and flooding. These climate shocks do not just reduce crop yields; they destabilize the entire value chain and threatening the nutritional security of our most vulnerable populations. It’s happening from farm to table. We believe that technology and innovation can help here. We are looking for concrete technological solutions to reduce climate risks and optimize production, specifically focusing on warning systems, smart water management, reducing post-harvest loss and even greenFintech ideas.

 

Provide an innovative solution to an environmental challenge in your community using technology while focusing on the solution’s long-term sustainability. 

Rules The Challenge is open to individuals or teams residing in Cameroon. Participants should be between 18 to 35. You may participate as an individual or form a mixed 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 Cameroon and WWF Cameroon 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 ……… 9 – 16 January 2026

Top 10 Announcement ………. 19 January 2026

Pitch day event ……… 23 January 2026

Winner Announcements …….. 23 January 2026

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.

Closed 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.

Closed Contact us sustainability.ug@mtn.com Process steps Applications open Teams informed of application decisions Sprint Week & Pitch Practice Pitch Day Winners in each country Continent-Level Pitch Day Winner of Africa Challenge 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 http://mtn.zhutiblog.com/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.

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