MTN/WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2025 ($5,000 prize) Deadline: Unspecified

Applications are open for the MTN/WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2025. The Africa PachiPanda Challenge, a joint effort by MTN and World Wide Fund for Nature (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 the planet through climate entrepreneurship. By cultivating a pipeline of innovative African green enterprises that tackle local environmental challenges, they 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.

Challenge Details

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 and advancing to stage 2 – the Pan-African contest, where they compete in the final. 

Benefits

• For the 2025 Challenge, first-prize winning teams from each participating country received prizes valued at $5,000 USD.
• 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.

Eligibility

• The challenge is open to young people between 18 and 35 and
• Youth-led SMEs from select African countries. 

Application

Deadline: Unspecified

For more information, visit Africa PachiPanda Challenge.