MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, UNDP, Deloitte Launch 2026 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge

MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) through its local affiliate, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Deloitte Nigeria, has launched the "2026 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge." This initiative seeks to foster innovative solutions for pressing environmental problems and support the growth of Africa's green economy.

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As a business deeply connected to the communities we serve, we recognise that environmental responsibility and economic development must go hand in hand.

The theme for this year's challenge is "Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy." The program aims to empower young innovators to transform their ambitious ideas into practical solutions that tackle environmental challenges while simultaneously contributing to Nigeria's green economic development. The challenge specifically invites young innovators, entrepreneurs, and SME founders between the ages of 18 and 35 to create solutions addressing environmental issues unique to Nigeria.

Mr. Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the connection between environmental responsibility and economic development. "The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge provides an opportunity for young innovators to develop solutions that address local environmental challenges, strengthen youth entrepreneurship and contribute long-term sustainability," he stated, expressing excitement about the potential for eco-innovation to drive positive change.

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The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge provides an opportunity for young innovators to develop solutions that address local environmental challenges, strengthen youth entrepreneurship and contribute long-term sustainability.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of NCF, highlighted the importance of youth leadership in innovation for environmental protection. "By backing the PachiPanda challenge, we are handing the next generation the tools to protect nature and the confidence to act," he said. Dr. William Tsuma, Chief Innovation Officer at UNDP Nigeria, added that innovation for development is central to their mission, driving inclusive growth and progress toward a sustainable society. Deloitte West Africa's Chief Growth Officer, Mr. Bernard Orji, noted their role in helping young innovators refine their ideas and build commercial confidence for scalable ventures.

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We are excited to see how young people across the country will respond to this year’s theme and demonstrate that eco-innovation can be a powerful force for positive change.

Participants are encouraged to submit ideas aligned with four key focus areas: climate change, climate-smart cities and urban resilience, community conservation, and pollution. The challenge serves as a platform for young individuals to reimagine how environmental challenges can be addressed through practical, scalable, and impactful solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

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innovation works best when young people lead it. By backing the PachiPanda challenge, we are handing the next generation the tools to protect nature and the confidence to act. Their ideas today will safeguard our planet for the generations that follow.