MTN, WWF open N10 million PachiPanda Challenge for young Nigerian innovators
By Aboki Forex —
MTN and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have opened applications for the 2026 PachiPanda Challenge in Nigeria. The competition targets Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with waste management and sustainability solutions, offering total prize money of ₦10 million.
The challenge, organised by MTN in partnership with WWF and supported by country-level partners, aims to identify and support young Africans developing practical solutions to environmental challenges.
Prizes and support
The top three winners in Nigeria will share ₦10 million. First place gets ₦5 million, second gets ₦3 million, and third gets ₦2 million.
Winners will also receive mentorship, business development support, and access to investors and industry stakeholders. They will represent Nigeria at the Africa PachiPanda Finale in South Africa.
Who can apply
The competition is open to Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders of youth-led small and medium businesses. Applicants must live in Nigeria and can apply individually or as teams of up to three people. Ideas can be at an early or concept stage, provided they address an environmental challenge.
Employees of MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, UNDP Nigeria, and Deloitte Nigeria, as well as their immediate family members, cannot apply.
Applicants must develop ideas to transform waste management in Nigeria. Solutions can involve technology, behavioural change, creative works, recycling, or waste-management systems.
How to apply and key dates
The application asks for a 200-word description of the idea, a 200-word explanation of why it stands out, and a 200-word outline of its potential impact. Applicants must also provide a detailed description of up to 2,000 words, including evidence or proof of concept.
Applications opened on July 29 and close on August 28, 2026. The Top 100 will be announced on September 18, the Top 25 on October 2, and the Top 10 on October 9. A bootcamp and pitch event will hold from October 20 to 23, with winners announced on October 23.
Applications are available through the official MTN PachiPanda Challenge platform.
For Nigerian businesses and young founders, this challenge offers more than prize money. It provides access to mentorship, visibility, and investor connections that can help turn waste-related ideas into scalable enterprises.