- MTN South Africa, Nedbank and the WWF have announced the launch of the PandiPachi Challenge locally.
- The Challenge aims to identify and support young innovators to tackle South Africa’s environmental challenges.
- Launching today, the Challenge will run until 21st October 2024.
If you are a local entrepreneur focused on climate change or sustainability, you may want to check out the latest initiate launched by MTN South Africa in partnership with Nedbank and the WWF. The trio have announced the launch of the PachiPanda Challenge, starting today.
The PachiPanda Challenge, according to the three companies, aims to identify and support young innovators to tackle South Africa’s environmental challenges.
They add that this initiative is set to run from 26th August (today) until 21st October 2024, and seeks to both mobilise and increase the number of climate entrepreneurs and technology solutions to support the country’s ‘Just Transition’ objectives.
This all focused on the ambition of unlocking sustainable economic growth.
“South Africa faces significant environmental threats due to the impact of climate change, which jeopardises sustainable development and the livelihoods of millions. By engaging the youth, the PachiPanda Challenge aims to find innovative solutions to these pressing issues,” MTN SA outlined in a release shared with Hypertext.
The Challenge is open to all youth-led SMEs, developers, students, or anyone between the ages of 16 and 35 who has a solution for South Africa’s environmental challenges.
Participants will be required to work in teams of up to three members. Shortlisted candidates will participate in a five-day transformative sprint process as it has been termed, which will culminate in a pitch session to industry experts.
The most innovative teams will advance to represent South Africa on the African 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. Technology is powerful enabler to creating sustainable solutions to today’s environmental challenges,” noted Keabetswe Mabe, GM for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN SA.
“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 Justin Smith, head of the Business Development Unit of WWF South Africa.
Those wanting to know more about this year’s PachiPanda Challenge, as well as how they can enter, are advised to head here, or visit MTN SA’s website.
[Image – Provided]
