MTN Uganda and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda have announced three winners of the 2026 PachiPanda Innovation Challenge, recognising youth-led businesses developing solutions to environmental problems while creating economic opportunities.

The competition, now in its second Ugandan edition, supports young entrepreneurs and youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working to turn environmental challenges into practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions with environmental, social and economic benefits.

Held under the theme “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy,” the challenge received more than 300 applications. Following an initial assessment, 15 innovators and youth-led enterprises advanced to the national finals and attended a bootcamp from 21 to 23 October 2026.

The bootcamp provided participants with business training and mentorship to strengthen their business models, refine their innovations and improve their presentations ahead of the final competition.

Agrosap, led by Garvin Billy Ssemyalo, took first place and will receive UGX 15 million. Its solution improves water retention in soil, helping preserve the moisture required for crop growth throughout the planting period.

Lutre Plastics, led by Arther Lule and Sharma Kemigisha, finished as first runner-up and secured UGX 10 million. The enterprise manufactures boards from recycled plastics, creating an alternative application for plastic waste.

Reyre Blocks Ltd, led by Rhona Janet Atugonza, came third and will receive UGX 5 million. Its innovation converts discarded tyres into sustainable construction materials, addressing environmental concerns linked to tyre burning and heavy reliance on sand.

The three winning enterprises will represent Uganda at the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge finale in South Africa in February 2027.

MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the initiative illustrates how entrepreneurship and innovation can address environmental problems while opening up opportunities for young people.

“PachiPanda demonstrates what is possible when we bring together technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Environmental challenges can also be opportunities to build businesses, create jobs and improve livelihoods,” Mulinge said.

WWF Uganda Executive Director Ivan Tumuhimbise said the next priority was to help the winning innovations expand beyond the competition and deliver practical benefits to communities and the environment.

“Through PachiPanda, we are seeing innovators approach environmental challenges with creativity and an understanding of the opportunities that exist in the green economy. The next step is to help these solutions grow beyond the competition and deliver measurable benefits for communities and nature,” Tumuhimbise said.

The 2026 edition follows Uganda’s inaugural participation in the challenge. The first cohort featured FarmGate Digital, Kampala Buzzline and Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop, which represented the country at the continental competition in South Africa earlier in 2026.

Each of the earlier participants addressed a different environmental or agricultural challenge. FarmGate Digital works to reduce post-harvest food losses through improved market information and coordination. Kampala Buzzline focuses on restoring pollinator habitats through community conservation and digital mapping, while Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop encourages plastic collection and recycling through smart collection bins and mobile-enabled rewards.

Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop also received the Bayobab Innovator’s Award at MTN Group level, demonstrating the potential for Ugandan innovations to gain recognition beyond the national competition.

This year’s challenge prioritised four areas: nature-based climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods; green enterprises; biodiversity and natural-resource conservation; and digital solutions supporting Africa’s green economy.

The PachiPanda initiative forms part of MTN Uganda’s sustainability ambitions under Ambition 2030. Through its partnership with WWF Uganda, the telecommunications company aims to support innovations that protect natural resources, strengthen communities and generate sustainable economic opportunities.

By offering mentorship, business development support and a platform to showcase their work, the initiative seeks to strengthen youth-led enterprises and contribute to Africa’s transition towards a greener, more inclusive economy.

Source: Independent Uganda