Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2025 ($5,000 USD cash prize)
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
If you're a young innovator passionate about environmental sustainability, the Africa PachiPanda Challenge is your platform to turn ideas into impactful solutions. Applications are currently open for the 2025 edition of this initiative, a collaborative effort between MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The challenge seeks to empower youth-led enterprises across Africa to develop innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges.
🌍 Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2025 – Key Details
Location: Participating African countries (specific countries may vary; check official website for details)
Organizer: MTN Group and WWF
Level: Open to individuals and teams; no formal academic requirement
Target Group: Youth aged 18–35 years; youth-led SMEs and entrepreneurs
Fields of Focus: Environmental sustainability, climate entrepreneurship, waste management, biodiversity conservation
Award Value: $5,000 USD cash prize for national winners; opportunity to advance to the Pan-African finale
Application Deadline: Varies by country; for example, Uganda's deadline is September 30, 2025
Start Date: Applications are currently open; specific start dates vary by country
Eligible To: Youth aged 18–35 years; youth-led SMEs and entrepreneurs residing in select African countries
🧠 Challenge Overview
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge is structured in two phases:
National Selection: Applicants submit their solutions, and shortlisted participants form teams of up to three members.
Sprint Week & Pitching: Teams undergo a human-centred design process, including business modelling and customer identification, culminating in a pitch to a panel of industry experts.
Winners from each country receive a $5,000 USD prize and advance to the Pan-African finale, competing for continental recognition and additional support.
🎯 Benefits
Financial Support: $5,000 USD cash prize for national winners
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded innovators, investors, and stakeholders across Africa
Exposure: Gain visibility for your project on a continental stage
Capacity Building: Access to mentorship and resources to scale your solution
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Age: 18–35 years
Residency: Must be a resident of a participating African country
Team Composition: Individuals or teams of up to three members
Focus Area: Solutions addressing environmental challenges
Type of Applicant: Youth-led SMEs, entrepreneurs, or individuals
📝 Application Procedure
Visit the Official Website: Go to www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge to access the application portal.
Select Your Country: Choose your country of residence to ensure eligibility.
Submit Your Application: Provide necessary details about your project, team, and the environmental challenge it addresses.
Prepare for Sprint Week: If shortlisted, form your team and engage in the sprint week activities.
📄 Documents Required
Personal Identification: Valid ID or passport
Proof of Residency: Document verifying your residence in a participating country
Project Proposal: Detailed description of your solution and its impact
Team Information: Details of team members (if applicable)
