MTN South Africa, in partnership with WWF South Africa, has launched the PachiPanda Challenge, an initiative aimed at enabling young innovators to tackle South Africa’s environmental challenges.

The challenge, running from August 26 to October 21, seeks to mobilise and increase the number of climate entrepreneurs and technology solutions to support the country’s ‘Just Transition’ objectives and ambition of unlocking sustainable economic growth.

By engaging the youth, the PachiPanda Challenge aims to find innovative solutions to the significant environmental threats facing South Africa owing to the impact of climate change, which jeopardises sustainable development and the livelihoods of millions.

The challenge is open to youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), developers, students or anyone between the ages of 16 and 35, who has a solution for South Africa's environmental challenges.

Participants will work in teams of up to three members, with shortlisted candidates participating in a five-day transformative sprint process, culminating in a pitch session to industry experts.

The most innovative teams will advance to represent South Africa on the Africa stage against other sub-Saharan countries.

“MTN fundamentally believes that the challenges posed by climate change can act as a catalyst to unlock green entrepreneurs, green jobs and green industrialisation. We recognise the crucial role South Africa’s youth will play in future environmental stewardship,” said MTN South Africa sustainability and shared value GM Keabetswe Mabe.

“Technology is a powerful enabler to creating sustainable solutions to today’s environmental challenges.”

A study by Boston Consulting Group estimates that South Africa has the potential to create between 85 000 to 275 000 green jobs in the next five years.

“In collaboration with MTN, we aim to amplify the voices of African youth to safeguard the environment for future generations. Promoting renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture and community adaptation to environmental changes are core components of this initiative,” added WWF South Africa business development unit head Justin Smith.

The programme will be executed by the Empire Partner Foundation as the selected implementation partner, with its purpose of “empowering the youth in building a better South Africa and African continent through technology” well aligned to the objectives of the PachiPanda programme.

Youth entrepreneurship in South Africa remains a concern, with only 6% of the total youth population engaged in entrepreneurial activities.

Through initiatives like the PachiPanda Challenge, MTN and WWF aim to boost this figure by providing platforms for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

Mabe explained that MTN and its partners would be ensuring that winning teams received business incubation support to ensure the sustainability and acceleration of their business concepts.

The challenge addresses barriers such as the lack of investable climate initiatives and inadequate access to scalable climate adaptation solutions.

“PachiPanda Challenge is not just a competition; it is a movement. A movement that galvanises participants to think unconventionally, craft solutions that address immediate environmental challenges and play an active role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of their communities.”