Douala, January 9, 2026 — MTN Cameroon announces the launch of the second edition of the PachiPanda Challenge on January 9, 2026, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon. This initiative aims to encourage young entrepreneurs and innovators to propose innovative technological solutions that can contribute to current environmental challenges.

In this second edition, participants are invited to develop solutions around three key themes: sustainable waste management, water and energy, and food security. Sustainable waste management involves developing solutions to improve the collection, recycling, transformation, and valorization of waste through technology. Regarding water and energy, the aim is to propose solutions that facilitate access to water, optimize water resource management, and promote the development of reliable energy sources suited to local realities. Finally, in terms of food security, it is essential to develop solutions aimed at improving agricultural production, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening access to sufficient and quality food considering the impacts of climate change.

The PachiPanda Challenge is open to youth and SMEs led by young people residing in Cameroon. Applications are accepted until January 16, 2026, and projects must be submitted online through the link: https://www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge/.

Selected projects will benefit from structured support, including mentoring, assistance in solution development, and increased visibility. At the end of the competition, the best initiatives will be rewarded during the final on January 23, 2026, in Cameroon. The first place will receive 3,000,000 FCFA, the second place 2,000,000 FCFA, and the third place 1,500,000 FCFA. Additionally, the top three winners will represent Cameroon at the pan-African phase of the Challenge in February 2026 in South Africa.

“The PachiPanda Challenge in Cameroon goes far beyond a simple competition. It is a true springboard for young innovators to express their creativity and design solutions that can sustainably transform our communities. At MTN Cameroon, we are convinced that the answers to current environmental challenges will come from our youth,” said Wanda Matandela, General Director of MTN Cameroon.

“This Challenge reflects WWF Cameroon’s deep commitment to environmental protection and innovation. By stimulating the creativity of young people, we contribute to the emergence of sustainable initiatives that bring positive changes to our environment and future generations,” added Alain Ononino, Country Director of WWF Cameroon.

The first edition, organized between 2024 and 2025, mobilized 186 young innovators across the country. The selected Cameroonian projects distinguished themselves during the pan-African final thanks to the AgricFresh project, allowing Cameroon to win the competition and showcasing the potential, creativity, and commitment of Cameroonian youth in developing innovative solutions for environmental protection. The winners also received 5,000 USD (approximately 3,000,000 FCFA) in seed capital, as well as ongoing mentoring and strategic support from MTN Group, MTN Cameroon through MTN Business, WWF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) to enhance the impact of their innovation.

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About MTN Cameroon

MTN Cameroon is a subsidiary of the MTN Group, represented in 22 countries around the world, and provider of electronic communication as well as payment solutions in Cameroon since February 2000.  MTN Cameroon is the leader in the Cameroonian Electronic Communications sector.

E-mail :  sustainability.Cm@mtn.com 

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www.mtn.cm

About World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon

WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization that has been working with the Government of Cameroon since the early 1990s to promote sustainable natural resources management, ensuring biodiversity conservation and promoting the well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities. The Cameroon country Office supports mainstreaming environmental sustainability in sectoral policies, strategies, and programs, and supports implementation of the Forest and Environment Program, and operates from four field offices and a national office in Yaoundé.

Press Contact: Enjema Nenne Esunge | Tel: 675463289 | Email :eenjema@wwfcam.org 

Follow WWF Cameroon at the following Addresses:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWFCameroon/

Twitter :@wwfcameroon 

Instagram :WWF_CAMEROON

LinkedIn : WWF Cameroon 

Website :cameroon.panda.org