Call for Applications: MTN PachiPanda Challenge 2026 Offers ₦10m in Prizes

Young Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses were invited to participate in the 2026 MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge.

This is an initiative designed to support innovative solutions to environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

The challenge, organised by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), through its local partner, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria and Deloitte Nigeria, provides a platform for young people to develop practical solutions to climate change, pollution and other environmental concerns.

The initiative seeks to encourage green entrepreneurship, strengthen youth participation in environmental sustainability and support the development of innovative ideas that can create lasting social, economic and environmental impact.

Who Can Apply?

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge was open to individuals and teams residing in Nigeria, particularly young people between the ages of 18 and 35.

Eligible participants included university and college students, young entrepreneurs, individuals with innovative ideas and youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Applicants could participate individually or in teams of up to three members.

Young entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses were encouraged to submit innovative ideas or solutions addressing environmental challenges, with preference given to initiatives demonstrating a proof of concept or operating at the pilot stage.

Employees of MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, UNDP Nigeria and Deloitte Nigeria, as well as their immediate family members, were excluded from participating.

Areas of Innovation

The 2026 challenge focused on developing practical and sustainable solutions to pressing environmental problems, with particular emphasis on climate change and urban resilience.

Under the Climate Change category, participants were invited to propose innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote cleaner energy use and help households and businesses adapt to the effects of climate change.

The Climate-Smart Cities and Urban Resilience category focused on solutions that transform waste management, reduce pollution and address environmental and public health challenges in urban communities.

Applicants were encouraged to explore technology-driven, business-oriented, behavioural and creative approaches to building cleaner, healthier and more sustainable cities.

₦10 Million Prize Pool for Winners

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge offered a combined ₦10 million prize pool for the top three winners.

The first-place winner was set to receive ₦5 million, while the second-place winner would receive ₦3 million and the third-place winner ₦2 million.

Beyond the financial rewards, the winning participants were expected to represent Nigeria at the Africa PachiPanda Finale in South Africa, where they would join winners from other participating countries.

The programme also provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas, develop their entrepreneurial capabilities and gain exposure to opportunities within the sustainability and green business ecosystem.

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The application portal for the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge 2026 opened on July 29, 2026, and closed on August 28, 2026.

According to the published schedule, the Top 100 announcement was set for September 18, followed by the Top 25 announcement on October 2 and the Top 10 announcement on October 9.

The boot camp and pitch-day event were scheduled for October 20–23, 2026, with the winners’ announcement set for October 23.

Applications for the Nigeria 2026 edition are now closed.

Interested individuals can visit the official MTN Africa PachiPanda Challenge website for programme information and updates on future opportunities.