MTN Uganda and WWF Uganda announced the opening of the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge.
This program gives university students, young Ugandans (ages 18 to 35), and youth-led SMEs the tools they need to develop business concepts that tackle pressing problems related to food, energy, and water security.
“The PachiPanda Challenge is an opportunity to Plant, Protect, and Provide for a better tomorrow. We believe that the most effective solutions come from those who will inherit the planet, so we’re proud to support the next generation of innovators,” stated MTN Uganda.
Cash prizes
The winners will receive $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 in cash prizes, in addition to incubation and mentoring support. In early 2026, the top teams will also advance to the continental finals.
This project directly contributes to the attainment of various UN Sustainable Development Goals and Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Applications are now open via the official portal https://lnkd.in/dG9aXNnd.
MTN Uganda announced, “We invite all passionate young innovators to step forward with bold ideas and help us build a greener, more resilient Uganda.”
MTN’s commitment to safeguarding the environment with climate entrepreneurship
The initiative leads MTN’s efforts to use climate entrepreneurship to safeguard the environment. Fostering a network of creative African green businesses that address regional environmental issues empowers young entrepreneurs and invests in the continent’s sustainable future.
The program works with youth-led SMES to advance sustainability and find innovative answers to today’s environmental problems.
MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge said, “Every generation faces defining challenges. It’s climate change, food insecurity, and resource scarcity for us. The connected life we aspire to offer is only possible on a healthy, sustainable, and protected planet for future generations.”
Initiative aligns with WWF’s global goals
This program aligns with WWF’s established procedures, Africa Strategy, and global goals. Additionally, the Mobilising More for Climate (MM4C) Programme benefits greatly from it.
In particular, the challenge helps WWF accomplish its primary goals of preventing species extinction, fostering healthy populations, and minimising habitat loss.
Additionally, WWF’s Africa Strategy, “Making Nature Count,” aims to guarantee that governments, businesses, financial institutions, and society as a whole fully incorporate the value of Africa’s natural capital into their decision-making.
The Country Director of WWF Uganda, Ivan Tumuhimbise, added, “Together, we are empowering youth to drive solutions for food, energy & water security.”
About the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge
MTN and WWF collaborated to create the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, which aims to encourage and assist creative solutions to urgent environmental issues throughout the continent.
The PachiPanda program, which began as a collaboration between MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia in 2022, has grown into a significant endeavour.
Acknowledging its achievements, the MTN Group increased its scope in 2024, reaching out to Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria and recently Uganda.
This calculated action has greatly increased the program’s positive impact. Through its dedicated pitch program, it has received 2,484 applications and produced 53 finalists.