Nigeria: MTN and Partners Shortlist 100 Young Innovators for Next Stage of PachiPanda Environmental Challenge

MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) through the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has announced the shortlist of 100 young innovators for the second phase of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge. The initiative is focused on developing local, youth-driven solutions to urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and sustainable community development.

The 100 shortlisted participants were selected from over 2,169 applications submitted nationwide. Their selection followed a rigorous multi-stage review process led by 20 expert assessors, using criteria designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in evaluating the quality, originality, and feasibility of each proposed solution.

The PachiPanda Challenge, launched in Nigeria in 2024, forms part of MTN Nigeria’s broader commitment to supporting green innovation and digital transformation. The programme provides participants with access to:

• Technical and business mentorship

• Specialised workshops and training

• Seed funding opportunities

• A network of global industry and sustainability experts

The shortlisted cohort represents diverse sectors but shares a common goal: advancing environmental sustainability solutions tailored to Nigeria and Africa’s unique challenges.

The competition will now move into its next stage, where the 100 semi-finalists will undergo further evaluation to identify the Top 10 finalists. These finalists will be announced ahead of an intensive three-day pitch sprint and masterclass event scheduled for November 2025 in Lagos. The sessions will focus on sharpening business strategy, improving solution design, and preparing finalists for impact-focused scaling.

Winners of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge will go on to represent the country at the Africa PachiPanda Contest, competing alongside innovators from across the continent.

The programme highlights MTN Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the growth of green enterprises. By investing in young innovators, the initiative aims to nurture solutions that support climate resilience, safeguard ecosystems, and drive sustainable development across African communities.