Apply for PachiPanda Innovation Challenge (Zambia)

This program aligns with WWF’s global goals, its Africa Strategy, and its established practices. It also adds significant value to the Mobilising More for Climate (MM4C) Programme. Specifically, the challenge contributes to achieving WWF’s core objectives of zero habitat loss, preventing species extinction, and promoting healthy populations. Furthermore, WWF’s Africa Strategy, titled “Making Nature Count,” aims to ensure that the value of Africa’s natural capital is fully integrated into decision-making by governments, corporations, financial institutions, and society.

The programme spearheads MTN’s commitment to protecting the planet through climate entrepreneurship. By cultivating a pipeline of innovative African green enterprises that tackle local environmental challenges, they are empowering youth-led businesses and investing in a sustainable future for the continent. The programme is aimed at incubating youth-led SMEs that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

Aims

• Encourage Zambian youths and youth-led SMEs to submit innovative tech-based initiatives addressing climate change issues.
• Provide support and guidance to the top 10 finalists to equip them with the necessary skills to advance their projects.
• Increase the involvement of young people in understanding and addressing climate change challenges and sustainable community solutions.
• Back innovative and sustainable environmental solutions, particularly focusing on climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

Prize Information

• First (1st) Position – $5000
• Second (2nd) Position – $ 3,000
• Third (3rd) Position – $2,000

Challenge Statements

• The Pachipanda Innovation Challenge invites young Zambian entrepreneurs and youth-led SMEs to submit their solutions to the challenge statements:
  • Youth-led Green Innovations & Technologies
  • Green Entrepreneurship & Skills for Youths
  • Energy and Water Resilience
  • Food security, sustainable agriculture, and waste management

Eligibility Criteria

• The Challenge is open to Zambian youths.
• Participants should be between 16 and 35.
• You may participate as an individual or form a team of a maximum of three members.
• Youth-led SMEs with early or idea-stage solutions are free to participate, maximum of three members.
• All participants must register online and submit entries through the designated portal before the deadline.
• Participants should provide accurate and complete personal information during registration.
• MTN Zambia and WWF Zambia employees, and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
• Participants found in violation of the PachiPanda Challenge “Terms and Conditions” or suspected of fraud, plagiarism, or unethical behavior, will be disqualified from the Challenge.
• The organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any individual or team at its discretion.

For more information, visit MTN Zambia Foundation.