Deadline: September 30, 2025
MTN Uganda Limited and the World Wide Fund have partnered to launch the PachiPanda Challenge for Uganda in 2025, an initiative that encourages youths and youth-led SMEs to create new ideas that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability through technological solutions.
The PachiPanda Challenge discovers and incubates youth and youth-led SMEs with innovative and sustainable solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It increases the participation of young people in environmental sustainability and climate change in Uganda. It enhances young people’s knowledge of climate change challenges and community-led sustainable solutions. It supports innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges including the pressing matter of climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
The Africa PachiPanda Challenge builds on the success of the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge hosted by MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia in 2022 and 2023. This programme aligns with WWF’s global goals, its Africa Strategy, and its established practices while contributing to the Mobilising More for Climate (MM4C) Programme. The initiative promotes WWF’s core objectives of zero habitat loss, preventing species extinction, and healthy population growth, while ensuring the value of Africa’s natural capital is integrated into decision-making by governments, corporations, financial institutions, and society.
This challenge empowers youth-led businesses and invests in a sustainable future for Uganda by fostering innovation in key areas. Participants can submit solutions for Sustainable Waste Management, which focuses on tech-driven and community-centered approaches that improve collection and recycling, convert waste into value, and engage youth and communities in the circular economy. In Deforestation and Ecosystem Degradation, the focus is on clean cooking alternatives, sustainable forestry, digital forest monitoring, and community-driven restoration models that create green jobs and conserve biodiversity. Green Energy Solutions target affordable renewable energy options such as solar, wind, biogas, and mini-grids, aiming to reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood and promote inclusive business models for rural communities, youth, and women. Smart Agriculture invites solutions using digital tools, climate-smart practices, and market linkages to improve yields, reduce waste, and strengthen farmer livelihoods while protecting soil, water, and ecosystems.
The challenge is open to individuals and teams residing in Uganda between 16 and 35 years old, including youth-led SMEs with early or idea-stage solutions. Participants must register online and submit entries before the deadline while adhering to the PachiPanda Challenge Terms and Conditions. MTN Uganda and WWF will evaluate submissions, and participants found in violation of rules may be disqualified.
Top 100 and Top 10 announcements will be made on 23rd October and 7th October, respectively. The pitch day event will take place from 27th to 30th November, and winners will be announced on 30th November. Prizes include UGX 15,000,000 for first place, UGX 10,000,000 for second, and UGX 5,000,000 for third. The top three winners will represent Uganda at the Grand Finale in South Africa.
For more information, visit MTN.
