Mbabane – MTN Eswatini has opened applications for the 2026 Eswatini PachiPanda Challenge, inviting young innovators and youth-led businesses to develop solutions to the country’s environmental and economic challenges.
The initiative, launched yesterday under the theme “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy,” will give young Emaswati an opportunity to develop ideas in areas including food and farming, water security, nature restoration, waste management and sustainable energy.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Jerry Soko said the initiative was more than a competition, as it would provide a platform for young people to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
“This is the launch of a national conversation,” Soko said.
He said the conversation was centred on how the creativity of young people could be used to address some of the pressing environmental and economic challenges facing the country.
Young innovators between the ages of 18 and 35, as well as youth-led businesses, have been invited to apply.
The challenge has four focus areas: Reimagining Food & Farming; Securing Eswatini’s Water Future; Restoring Nature, Creating Opportunity; and Turning Waste & Energy Challenges into Opportunity.
20 to enter accelerator
An independent selection committee will select 20 participants to take part in a one-week Green Innovation Accelerator Programme.
The programme will provide participants with training and support to develop their ideas before 10 finalists are selected to compete at the National Pitch Day.
Three national winners will receive cash prizes of US$5 000, US$3 000 and US$2 000, respectively.
The top three will also represent Eswatini at the regional Africa PachiPanda Challenge.
Soko said the support would continue beyond the competition, with finalists receiving incubation, mentorship and business development assistance.
He said the initiative fitted into MTN’s broader work around youth empowerment and creating opportunities through technology and innovation.
“Whether your passion lies in sustainable agriculture, water stewardship, environmental restoration, clean energy, recycling or circular economy innovation, this challenge is looking for you,” Soko said.
He called on young innovators to identify challenges in their communities and develop practical solutions.
Government backs green innovation
Speaking at the same event, the Minister responsible for Information, Communications and Technology said the green economy was already creating economic opportunities around the world.
The Minister said countries that supported green innovation would be better placed to create sustainable growth, jobs and opportunities for their citizens.
He said the PachiPanda Challenge was important because it encouraged young people to focus on challenges affecting Eswatini rather than innovating simply for the sake of innovation.
He identified food security, climate-resilient agriculture, water security, ecosystem restoration, sustainable energy and circular economy solutions as areas requiring new thinking.
The Minister said some of the solutions to future challenges could already be found among young people in rural communities, colleges, workshops and emerging businesses.
Four MTN pillars
He said MTN’s four pillars employability, enterprise, education and enabling environment come together through the programme.
Under education, participants will have access to learning opportunities, including MTN Foundation’s MTF online courses, which are available at no cost.
The programme will also expose participants to local and international experts while helping them develop entrepreneurial skills such as teamwork, creative thinking and the use of digital technology in business.
The enterprise development component will help participants take ideas towards implementation, while the enabling environment pillar brings together MTN, government, the private sector, parastatals and communities.
The Director of Likusasa Letfu, Yael Uzan-Tidhar, was also among the stakeholders involved in the initiative.
The programme will be implemented in partnership with Likusasa Letfu, with the partners seeking to support young entrepreneurs whose ideas can contribute to both economic and environmental development.
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