MTN Launches ₦10m PachiPanda Challenge for Youth

MTN, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has initiated the 2026 Africa PachiPanda Challenge, aimed at empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for waste management and pollution reduction. The challenge offers a total prize pool of ₦10 million, distributed among the top three winners: ₦5 million for first place, ₦3 million for second, and ₦2 million for third.

Participants must be Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, or founders of youth-led small and medium-sized businesses, residing in Nigeria. They can apply individually or in teams of up to three, with ideas at any stage as long as they address environmental challenges.

Applications opened on July 29, 2026, and will close on August 28, 2026. The winners will not only receive cash prizes but also mentorship and opportunities to connect with investors.

They will represent Nigeria at the Africa PachiPanda Finale in South Africa, showcasing their solutions on a continental stage.