Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia and MTN Zambia Foundation (MTNZF) are thrilled to announce the launch of the second PachiPanda Innovation Challenge in Zambia. This exciting initiative aims to encourage and support innovative solutions that address pressing environmental and societal challenges within the country.
The PachiPanda Innovation Challenge is a unique platform that seeks to inspire individuals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and established innovators to come up with sustainable ideas that can have a meaningful impact on the environment and broader society. Through this challenge, PachiPanda aims to foster a culture of innovation and drive positive change in Zambia.
Key features of the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge include:
• Inspiring and inclusive: The challenge aims to inspire a diverse range of participants,
including university students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, to engage in sustainable
innovation.
• Focus on local Zambian challenges: The challenge is centred around identifying and
addressing specific environmental challenges faced by Zambia, embracing a hyper-local
approach for sustainable solutions.
• Mentorship and support: Participants will have access to industry experts and mentors
from partner organisations, who will provide guidance and support throughout the
challenge, aiding in the development of their innovative ideas.
• Funding opportunities: PachiPanda will provide funding and resources to the winning
projects, assisting in their implementation and scalability.
• Network and visibility: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with a wide
network of like-minded individuals, potential investors, and stakeholders, amplifying the visibility and impact of their projects.
PachiPanda is Bemba for ‘we are together’. Taking care and preserving the environment and addressing societal issues is everyone’s responsibility. From the young man in the village who decides to plant trees to the elderly mother who opts for a fuel-efficient brazier to reduce her charcoal usage.
The name PachiPanda is fitting too as it calls for a holistic approach to the environmental and social challenges facing Zambia. Our solutions need us to dig deep and call upon one another if we are to win.
PachiPanda believes that sustainable innovation is key to addressing the pressing environmental and social issues facing Zambia. By encouraging individuals to think creatively and develop sustainable solutions, the organization aims to create a paradigm shift towards a greener and more sustainable future for the country.
“We are excited to launch the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge in Zambia, a country rich with natural resources, and we believe that harnessing the power of sustainable innovation can unleash its true potential,” said Nachilala Nkombo, WWF Zambia Country Director.
Rose Sibisi, MTNZF Chairperson said, “We are eager to see the groundbreaking ideas that will emerge from this challenge and look forward to supporting the winning projects in making a real, positive impact. We believe that by promoting sustainable solutions we can unlock much needed green businesses, green jobs and green industrialisation to the benefit of the country and its people.”
Delivering his keynote address during the launch, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Honorable Collins Nzovu, emphasized the need to scale up climate and innovative environmental and social solutions for African nations, with Zambia seeking to be at the forefront of driving this positive change: “There is a need to recognise the opportunity to create platforms for young people to develop ideas that tackle climate change and social impact issues, restore and regenerate degraded ecosystems, foster sustainable land management practices, and promote circular economy models while leveraging emerging technologies, traditional knowledge, and community engagement,” he said.
The winners for the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge will walk away with $10,000. Additionally, the top 10 teams will continue to receive support until they are investment ready.
The PachiPanda Innovation Challenge is now open for registrations. Interested participants can learn more about the challenge, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6j07e9Jc0y-QnLlwhNW_xh_roplKaEpw-K- hlKvIqdGMalw/viewform?usp=sharing