Building on the success of previous editions, MTN South Africa has officially launched the 2026 Pachi Panda Challenge, calling on young innovators across the country to develop nature-based solutions that address some of Africa’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. The initiative, which is funded by Nedbank and continues to be delivered in partnership with MTN South Africa and Indalo Inclusive NPC, creates a platform that empowers young people to transform innovative ideas into scalable enterprises.
Under the 2026 theme, “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy,” the Challenge encourages youth to harness the power of nature, technology and entrepreneurship to drive solutions in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and community development. The theme reflects a growing recognition that Africa’s environmental challenges present significant opportunities for innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
With the tagline, “Connected by Nature. Driven by Innovation. Powered by Youth,” this year’s Challenge seeks to inspire a new generation of eco-entrepreneurs who are building practical, technology-enabled solutions that strengthen communities while protecting the environment.
Africa stands at a pivotal moment. As climate change, biodiversity loss and resource constraints increasingly impact livelihoods across the continent, young people possess the ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit needed to design sustainable solutions for the future. Through the Pachi Panda Challenge, Nedbank is investing in this potential by providing young innovators with a platform to develop ideas that contribute to a resilient and inclusive green economy.
The impact of the Challenge is already evident through the achievements of previous participants. The 2025 South African winners demonstrated how innovation can be leveraged to address environmental and developmental challenges at scale.
Wendile Mpofu, founder of Carbonsmart Solutions Africa, developed a technology-enabled regeneration platform that supports smallholder farmers through digital soil monitoring, precision input management and access to carbon markets. Her innovation demonstrates how digital technologies can enhance agricultural productivity while supporting sustainable land management.
Gift Mabena, founder of AgriAdapt, created a mobile-first platform that equips smallholder farmers with accessible digital tools to adapt to the effects of climate change, helping to build resilience within agricultural communities.
Bafokeng Mofokeng developed the Circularity Verification Platform (CVP), an integrated hardware and software solution that addresses inefficiencies and transparency gaps within the e-waste recycling sector, supporting more effective waste management and circular economy practices.
These innovations are a testament to the transformative role young entrepreneurs can play in shaping Africa’s green future when provided with the right support, mentorship and opportunities.
While Pachi Panda began as a competition, its true impact extends far beyond the awards. The programme outcomes underscore the value of Nedbank’s investment in developing a pipeline of green enterprises that are not only environmentally sustainable but also contribute meaningfully to entrepreneurship, employment creation and inclusive economic participation. The ten (10) PachiPanda finalists have received technical support consisting of workshops, mentorship sessions and grant funding of R45,000 each. To date, the cohort has completed over 113 mentorship sessions and collectively created 27 jobs (part-time and full-time jobs), demonstrating how entrepreneurship can drive both economic opportunity and sustainable development.
Importantly, Pachi Panda is more than a once-off intervention; it serves as a strategic pipeline into the growth phase of the intervention and other Indalo-facilitated growth opportunities. By nurturing promising entrepreneurs from idea to proof-of-concept and beyond, the programme is building a robust ecosystem of green innovators who are equipped to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s inclusive and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the launch, Keabetswe Mabe, General Manager: Sustainability and B-BBEE at MTN South Africa, said:
“The Pachi Panda Challenge continues to demonstrate that young people are not only aware of the environmental challenges facing our continent but are actively developing solutions to address them. This year’s theme, ‘Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy,’ reflects our belief that sustainable development will require a combination of nature-based solutions, digital innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship. Through this platform, MTN is creating opportunities for youth to transform bold ideas into enterprises that create lasting environmental, social and economic impact.”
Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Nedbank’s Social Impact Unit, said:
“Through our funding of the Pachi Panda Challenge, we are investing in the ideas, businesses and leaders that will shape South Africa’s green economy. The success of previous participants demonstrates that targeted support, mentorship and access to funding can unlock innovation that delivers both environmental and socio-economic impact.”
Rest Kanju, Director Indalo Inclusive, said:
“Young innovators are increasingly demonstrating that environmental challenges can be transformed into scalable business opportunities. The Pachi Panda Challenge provides critical support, mentorship and ecosystem access that allows these solutions to grow beyond ideas and become impactful enterprises capable of delivering measurable change.”
As part of the programme, selected participants will undergo an intensive development journey that includes mentorship, capacity building, design thinking, business development support and pitch preparation. Participants will refine their solutions alongside industry experts before presenting them to a distinguished judging panel. The winning team will advance to represent South Africa at the continental Africa Pachi Panda finals.
The Pachi Panda Challenge, through Nedbank’s investment, forms part of MTN’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, digital inclusion, sustainability and the development of future-fit entrepreneurs who can drive Africa’s transition towards a greener and more inclusive economy.
Young innovators aged 18 to 35 are encouraged to apply and become part of a movement that is shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
For more information and application details, visit: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge