PachiPanda Returns: MTN Champions Youth-Led Green Innovation

MTN South Africa is proud to continue its support of the PachiPanda Challenge, as part of its Africa-wide initiative under the 2025 theme: ‘Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security’.

This theme speaks directly to South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. With increasing strain on food systems, energy infrastructure and water resources – exacerbated by climate change and urbanisation – the need for innovative, locally driven solutions has never been greater. The PachiPanda Challenge provides a platform for young South Africans to address these issues head-on, aligning with national priorities around sustainability, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

By investing in the ideas, energy and innovation of young South Africans, MTN is helping to build solutions that will secure a sustainable future for the continent. This commitment is deeply embedded in MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on building the largest and most valuable platform business in Africa, while advancing environmental entrepreneurship and working towards Net Zero targets.

“Partnering with MTN on the PachiPanda Challenge allows us to invest in the ingenuity of South Africa’s youth. Their ideas are not only inspiring, they’re essential to building a resilient and thriving green economy,” said Maluta Netshaulu, Head: Social Impact Portfolio Development, Nedbank.

“We are proud to support a platform that enables young innovators to turn environmental challenges into scalable solutions. The PachiPanda Challenge is a catalyst for inclusive green entrepreneurship,” said Rest Kanju, Director, Indalo Inclusive NPC.

Speaking at the Johannesburg launch of the second edition of the PachiPanda Challenge today, Keabetswe Mabe, MTN South Africa’s General Manager: Sustainability & B-BBEE at MTN South Africa, highlighted the importance of building on last year’s momentum. “The 2024 cohort has shown that young South Africans are brimming with ideas and are capable of turning environmental challenges into opportunities. From gamifying recycling to pioneering water-saving innovations, their projects reflect not only creativity but tangible impact,” she said.

Launched last year, the PachiPanda Challenge has already demonstrated the power of youth-led innovation. More than 100 young innovators submitted solutions to address urgent environmental challenges. Following a five-day sprint and pitch process, three standout teams emerged:

• RecycleX: Developed a mobile app integrating tech, incentives, and community engagement to promote sustainable waste management.
• AquaGrey: Created a mobile greywater treatment solution for household and municipal reuse.
• The Binn Solution: Presented a scalable system to streamline the waste management chain.

These innovations are now being incubated through a two-year programme funded by Nedbank and implemented by Indalo Inclusive NPC. The top 10 finalists are receiving technical and financial support, including:

• Capacity-building workshops
• One-on-one mentorship
• A R45,000 grant to scale their innovations into commercially viable, socially inclusive enterprises

**Why PachiPanda Matters

**South Africa faces a complex web of environmental and socio-economic challenges. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, and the country’s transition to a green economy requires fresh thinking and new industries. The PachiPanda Challenge directly addresses these issues by empowering youth to become solution-builders.

A critical part of this transformation lies in the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are the backbone of South Africa’s economy, accounting for over 60% of employment and contributing between 34–40% of GDP. By promoting entrepreneurship through the Challenge, MTN and its partners are not only nurturing innovation but also strengthening the SME sector, driving job creation, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.

The Challenge is more than a competition – it is a movement that inspires unconventional thinking, local problem-solving, and community sustainability.

**2025 Challenge: What’s Next

**In 2025, teams of up to three members (aged 18 – 35) will enter a mentorship phase during October and November to refine their solutions. This will culminate in a transformative sprint week and pitch session, where the winning team will represent South Africa at the Africa finals.

For more details and to embark on the exciting PachiPanda journey, visit:

www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge