Applications are open for the MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2026, an innovation competition for young Nigerians developing practical solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges.
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge is a collaborative initiative between MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is designed to inspire and support the development of innovative, youth-driven solutions that address critical environmental challenges across the African continent.
The challenge empowers participants to contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship within their communities.
Table of Contents
MTN PachiPanda Challenge 2026 at a Glance
- Country: Nigeria
- Age: 18 to 35 years
- Application type: Individual or team
- Maximum team size: 3 people
- Total prize: ₦10 million
- Application opens: July 29, 2026
- Application deadline: August 28, 2026
- Winners announced: October 23, 2026
About MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge
The MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge supports young entrepreneurs, innovators and youth-led SMEs developing solutions to environmental problems.
The MTN Africa Innovation Challenge focuses on practical ideas that address sustainability, pollution, waste management and other environmental challenges.
The MTN and WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge also gives selected participants access to mentorship, business development support and networking opportunities.
Apply: SDSN Youth Nigeria x She Leads Africa BoostHER Program 2026
Prizes and Benefits
For Nigeria, the competition offers:
- ₦5 million for first place
- ₦3 million for second place
- ₦2 million for third place
- Mentorship and business support
- Exposure to investors and industry stakeholders
- Opportunity to showcase innovative solutions
- Opportunity for Nigerian winners to represent Nigeria at the Africa PachiPanda Finale in South Africa
The total Nigerian prize pool is ₦10 million.
Who Can Apply?
You qualify for the MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge if you:
- Are 18 to 35 years old
- Reside in Nigeria
- Are an entrepreneur, innovator or youth-led SME
- Have an early-stage or idea-stage solution
- Address an environmental challenge
- Apply individually or with a team of up to three people
Employees of MTN Nigeria, NCF, UNDP Nigeria and Deloitte Nigeria, plus their immediate family members, are not eligible.
What Problem Should You Solve?
The 2026 Nigeria challenge asks:
“How can you innovatively transform waste management in Nigeria to reduce pollution, address health and environmental hazards, and build sustainability?”
Your idea could involve:
- Waste management
- Recycling
- Pollution reduction
- Technology
- Behavioural solutions
- Artistic approaches
- Other practical sustainability solutions
What Should You Submit?
Your application should include:
- Brief description of your idea, maximum 200 words.
- Why your solution is outstanding, maximum 200 words.
- Potential community, national and international impact, maximum 200 words.
- Detailed solution description, including proof of concept, maximum 2,000 words.
Explain the problem, your solution, how your solution works and the impact you expect.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Applications open | July 29, 2026 |
| Applications close | August 28, 2026 |
| Top 100 | September 18, 2026 |
| Top 25 | October 2, 2026 |
| Top 10 | October 9, 2026 |
| Bootcamp and Pitch Day | October 20 to 23, 2026 |
| Winners announced | October 23, 2026 |
How to Apply
To apply for the MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge 2026:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your environmental solution.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit your responses within the required word limits.
- Submit before August 28, 2026.
Use the official application platform for the MTN and WWF Africa PachiPanda Challenge.
