MTN’s PachiPanda Challenge backs South Africa’s green startups
MTN South Africa has unveiled the 2026 Pachi Panda Challenge, inviting young innovators aged 18 to 35 to develop nature-based and technology-driven solutions to environmental and socio-economic challenges across Africa.
Backed by Nedbank and delivered in collaboration with MTN South Africa and Indalo Inclusive NPC, the challenge is centred on the theme, “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy.” It aims to support young entrepreneurs developing solutions in areas including climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and community development.
Selected participants will receive mentorship, technical support, business development assistance and pitch preparation as they work to turn their ideas into viable enterprises. The eventual South African winner will go on to represent the country at the continental Africa Pachi Panda finals.
The 2026 challenge builds on the results of previous editions, with past participants developing businesses focused on sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation and the circular economy.
Among the 2025 South African winners was Wendile Mpofu, founder of Carbonsmart Solutions Africa, whose platform uses digital soil monitoring, precision input management and access to carbon markets to support smallholder farmers.
Gift Mabena, founder of AgriAdapt, developed a mobile-first platform providing smallholder farmers with digital tools to help them respond to climate-related risks. Bafokeng Mofokeng developed the Circularity Verification Platform, which combines hardware and software to improve transparency and efficiency in the e-waste recycling sector.
The programme’s previous cohort included 10 finalists who received technical support through workshops, mentorship and US$2,821 in grant funding each. Collectively, the cohort completed more than 113 mentorship sessions and created 27 part-time and full-time jobs.
“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.” Said Keabetswe Mabe, General Manager, Sustainability and B-BBEE at MTN South Africa.
Mabe said the 2026 theme reflects MTN’s view that sustainable development will depend on bringing together nature-based solutions, digital technology and inclusive entrepreneurship. She added that the initiative is giving young people an opportunity to turn innovative ideas into businesses capable of delivering long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.
“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.” Added Poovi Pillay, Executive Head of Nedbank’s Social Impact Unit.
“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.” Noted Rest Kanju, Director at Indalo Inclusive.
Applications are open to South Africans aged 18 to 35 interested in developing businesses that use innovation and nature-based approaches to address environmental and community challenges.
Real ESG impact doesn’t happen in panels alone, it happens in the rooms where financiers, operators, and policymakers actually align. Our GreenShift Forum 2026 cuts the noise, bringing together the people rewiring Africa’s sustainability and energy frameworks for one focused day in Nairobi. Secure your seat.
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