Applications have opened for the 2026 MTN-WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge, an innovation programme aimed at identifying, supporting and scaling youth-led solutions addressing environmental and climate-related challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The initiative is a collaboration between MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is designed to empower young innovators and youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) developing sustainable solutions that advance environmental conservation, climate resilience and green entrepreneurship across the region.

Eligibility

The challenge is open to:

• Young innovators across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Youth-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Individuals and teams developing innovative environmental and climate solutions
• Entrepreneurs committed to sustainability and climate action

Priority Areas

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects focused on:

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Environmental sustainability
• Biodiversity conservation
• Waste management and the circular economy
• Renewable energy
• Green technology
• Community-led environmental solutions
• Natural resource conservation

Benefits for Successful Participants

Selected participants will receive a range of support, including:

• Business incubation and venture support
• Expert mentorship and capacity-building
• Opportunity to pitch innovative solutions to industry experts
• Increased visibility and networking opportunities
• Support to scale climate-focused innovations
• Recognition as one of Africa’s leading green innovators

Programme Objectives

According to the organisers, the PachiPanda Challenge seeks to:

• Discover and incubate innovative youth-led climate solutions
• Increase youth participation in environmental sustainability
• Build knowledge around climate and environmental challenges
• Reward and scale impactful green innovations
• Promote partnerships that advance climate action across Africa

Key Dates

The 2026 programme will follow the timeline below:

• Applications Open: 29 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 28 August 2026
• Top 100 Announcement: 18 September 2026
• Top 25 Announcement: 2 October 2026
• Top 10 Announcement: 9 October 2026
• Bootcamp & Pitch Event: 20–23 October 2026
• Winners Announcement: 23 October 2026

How to Apply

Interested innovators and youth-led SMEs can obtain additional information and submit their applications through the official MTN-WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge website:

https://www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge/

Source: MSMEAfricaOnline