By Enefola Chris Ugbede | Enterprise Support Africa (ESA)
If you’re a young Nigerian with an idea for tackling climate change, building smarter cities, protecting local ecosystems, or cutting down pollution, there’s a new opportunity worth your attention. MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) through the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, and Deloitte Nigeria, has opened applications for the Africa PachiPanda Challenge.
The Challenge is designed for young people and youth-led SMEs between the ages of 18 and 35, whether applying individually or as part of a team of up to three members. It invites innovative, tech-enabled solutions across four themes: climate change and emissions reduction, climate-smart cities and urban resilience, community-led conservation, and improved waste management.
Winners stand to gain more than recognition. Cash prizes go up to NGN 5,000,000 for first place, NGN 3,000,000 for second, and NGN 2,000,000 for third. Beyond the prize money, finalists go through a structured pitch programme, and the top team goes on to represent Nigeria at the Africa PachiPanda Finale in South Africa alongside winners from other countries.
Key dates to know:
• Application portal opens: 29th July 2026
• Application portal closes: 28th August 2026
• Top 100 announced: 18th September 2026
• Top 25 announced: 2nd October 2026
• Top 10 announced: 9th October 2026
• Boot camp and pitch day: 20th–23rd October 2026
• Winners announced: 23rd October 2026
With the portal open now and roughly two and a half weeks left before applications close, this is the moment to start pulling your idea together, whether it’s a fully-formed prototype or an early-stage concept still finding its shape.
APPLY HERE : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe89lXTzcw5Ztv9nuXWjkYNlWCyEXBqXOMGtLVC_8pXxpc32g/viewform
Need Help Getting Your Application Ready
Enterprise Support Africa helps entrepreneurs and youth-led SMEs sharpen their pitch, prepare their submission, and put their best foot forward for opportunities like this one. Reach out to us or visit enterprisesupportafrica.com to get started.
Reach out to the ESA team today and let’s help you put together a GrowthGia application that stands out.
Disclaimer: This opportunity has been compiled from publicly available sources. Enterprise Support Africa (ESA) is not the original author of this opportunity and is not affiliated with the organisation offering it. Details such as deadlines and eligibility can change, so please verify all information directly with the official source before applying.