MTN-WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2024 for youth-led SMEs

Reach us on

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 program 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 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.

Africa PachiPanda Challenge Benefits

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.
The winning teams (first prize) from each country will receive prizes valued at 5000 USD. They will also advance to the Africa PachiPanda contest where they compete in the final.
The winning solutions from the challenge will be implemented to address the pressing environmental challenges in the respective countries. This will contribute to the long-term sustainability of these communities and the African continent as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria for Africa PachiPanda Challenge

They are looking for young people (16 – 35 years), youth led SME’s, entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations that work towards sustainable development in participating countries and employees in these sectors and are looking for ways to make their business sustainable.
Participating countries for 2024: Zambia, South Africa and Nigeria