MTN Uganda and WWF Launch PachiPanda Season 2 to Back Young Green Innovators

This year’s programme is themed “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy” and is targeting young innovators aged 18 to 35 with practical and scalable solutions that can contribute to environmental conservation while creating businesses, jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

The first season attracted 2,484 applications and produced solutions that have since recorded measurable impact. Among the previous participants, Hannington’s Kampala Buzz Line has developed into a conservation-focused enterprise that creates jobs, generates income and has attracted additional funding. Ruth’s work has also led to new partnerships and contributed to the movement of 217 tonnes of perishable food.

MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Corporate Services, Enid Edroma, said the programme goes beyond financial rewards, highlighting the importance of coaching, exposure, confidence-building and personal development in helping young innovators strengthen and scale their solutions.

For its second season, PachiPanda is expanding its reach nationwide, targeting innovators across regions including Karamoja, Northern Uganda, Rwenzori and Central Uganda. Applicants are expected to have a prototype, proof of concept or an existing solution that can be strengthened and scaled.

The top three Ugandan innovators will receive UGX 15 million, UGX 10 million and UGX 5 million respectively. The overall Ugandan winner will also represent the country at the PachiPanda Grand Finale in South Africa.

MTN Uganda said the initiative reflects its commitment, alongside WWF Uganda, to empowering young people to turn environmental challenges into viable businesses, employment opportunities and solutions that support a greener economy.