Deadline: 03-Oct-2025
The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is an innovation initiative launched by 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, 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 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.
The challenge is part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, a continental initiative that fosters sustainable solutions across Africa. Originating in Zambia in 2022 through a partnership between MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia, the programme has since expanded to other countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon. Its vision is to stimulate and champion innovative solutions in line with MTN’s climate entrepreneurship mandate and sustainability strategy “Ambition 2025.”
At the core of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge are three main challenge statements. The first focuses on pollution, calling for improved waste management solutions that reduce pollution, address health and environmental hazards, and build sustainability. The second addresses climate change, seeking innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change, and build resilience. The third emphasizes community conservation, inviting solutions that empower local communities to lead conservation efforts, protect biodiversity, and improve livelihoods.
Eligibility is open to individuals and teams of up to three members aged 18 to 35 residing in Nigeria. Young entrepreneurs and youth-led SMEs at early or idea stages are welcome to apply. Participants must submit their entries online by providing detailed descriptions of their solutions along with evidence or proof of concept.
The top 100 entries will be announced on 24th October, followed by the top 10 on 11th November. The pitch event will take place from 24th to 26th November, culminating in the announcement of winners on 26th November.
Prizes include ₦3,000,000 for first place, ₦2,000,000 for second place, and ₦1,500,000 for third place. The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the Grand Finale in South Africa alongside winners from other countries.
The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is more than a competition; it is a movement that empowers young people to think unconventionally, craft impactful solutions, and play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for their communities and the nation.
For more information, visit MTN.