MTN and WWF Launch PachiPanda Challenge to Empower Africa’s Youth in Climate Innovation

MTN, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has launched the PachiPanda Challenge, an initiative designed to inspire youth-led environmental innovation across Africa. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the challenge seeks to empower young people to tackle the continent’s pressing climate challenges by providing them with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to bring their innovations to life.

As the impacts of climate change continue to threaten Africa’s most vulnerable populations, the PachiPanda Challenge focuses on fostering creativity, resilience, and sustainable practices among the continent’s youth. Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized that empowering Africa’s young people is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the future of the planet.

Over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By empowering them, we are not just investing in their future, but in the future of our planet. Africa’s youth have the creativity, passion, and resilience to lead the charge against climate change, and the PachiPanda Challenge is our way of equipping them with the tools to do so.

Nompilo Morafo, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, MTN Group

Launched in Zambia in 2022, the PachiPanda Challenge has already produced promising results, such as Isaac Mwanza’s EcoBuild, a startup that manufactures sustainable construction materials from copper waste. Building on this success, MTN and WWF are expanding the challenge to South Africa and Nigeria, with plans to further extend the program across the continent. The challenge will culminate in a grand finale, where the most promising ideas from each country will compete for recognition and support.

Each stage of the PachiPanda Challenge is tailored to address the specific environmental concerns of each region. It begins with an annual competition focused on innovative, tech-driven solutions to Africa’s climate issues. This is followed by a support program that includes workshops, mentorship, and business development training, ensuring that the best ventures receive the backing they need to scale and make a lasting impact.

The PachiPanda Challenge stands as a testament to MTN’s commitment to fostering sustainable development across Africa by investing in the potential of its youth. By equipping young innovators with the skills and resources to create climate solutions, MTN is empowering the next generation to build a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.