MTN Uganda has joined forces with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) to launch the Pachi Panda Innovation Challenge, a continental programme designed to back youth-led solutions to the climate crisis. The initiative was officially unveiled in Kampala on September 1, 2025, making Uganda the fifth African country to host the challenge after Zambia, Cameroon, Nigeria, and South Africa.
At the launch, the two partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), underscoring their commitment to support young innovators in addressing the pressing issues of food, energy, and water security.
The challenge targets Ugandans aged 18 to 35, particularly university students and youth-led small businesses, who are invited to pitch ideas that can transform how communities respond to climate change.
According to WWF Uganda Country Director Ivan Tumuhimbise, while the climate crisis affects everyone, the strongest and most practical solutions often come from those who will inherit the planet. “It is the youth who hold the creativity and drive needed to protect the future, and this challenge is giving them the space to innovate,” he said.
Organisers highlighted that the programme aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 agenda, which prioritises sustainable industrialisation, inclusive growth, and environmental protection. Beyond national targets, the challenge also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, clean energy, climate action, and partnerships for development.
MTN Uganda noted that its involvement is part of a broader strategy to invest in sustainability and empower communities. “We believe technology and innovation can be harnessed to create meaningful change, and by empowering the youth, we are also investing in Uganda’s resilience,” an MTN representative said at the launch.
Winners of the Ugandan edition will receive $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place. Beyond the prize money, successful applicants will benefit from mentorship and incubation support, helping them refine their solutions into sustainable enterprises. The best projects from Uganda will also advance to the Pan-African finals in early 2026, where they will compete with youth innovators from across the continent.
The Pachi Panda Challenge arrives at a time when Uganda is grappling with the realities of climate change, from prolonged droughts to erratic rainfall and deforestation. By giving young people, a platform to shape and scale climate-smart innovations, MTN and WWF hope to inspire a new generation of green entrepreneurs.