MTN LAUNCHES GREEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT ESWATINI TOURISM

By Nonophile Khumalo

MBABANE — MTN Eswatini has launched the Eswatini PachiPanda Challenge – Likhambi Lemvelo 2026/27, calling on young innovators and youth-led businesses to develop practical solutions that can protect the environment, create economic opportunities and contribute to sustainable tourism in the Kingdom.

The challenge was officially launched today under the theme “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy”, with applications open to young people aged between 18 and 35, as well as youth-led businesses.

The initiative seeks to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young Emaswati to address environmental challenges while unlocking opportunities within the country’s emerging green economy.

Speaking at the launch, Acting Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who represented Minister Savannah Maziya, said the initiative provided an important platform to recognise and support local innovation.

Dlamini said the green economy was increasingly becoming an economic imperative as countries responded to environmental challenges while seeking to create jobs, strengthen businesses and open new economic opportunities.

He encouraged young people to view environmental challenges not only as problems requiring solutions, but also as opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Also speaking at the launch, MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Jerry Soko described the PachiPanda Challenge as more than a competition, saying it was a platform for young people to turn ideas and creativity into solutions that address real environmental and economic challenges.

Soko said the initiative was aimed at encouraging innovation that could contribute to a greener and more sustainable Eswatini, while giving young entrepreneurs an opportunity to develop solutions with practical impact.

FOCUS ON GREEN SOLUTIONS

The challenge focuses on areas including food, energy, waste management, water and other environmental solutions, with participants encouraged to develop innovative ideas that can contribute to the country’s green economy.

From a tourism perspective, such innovations have the potential to strengthen the sustainability of Eswatini’s tourism destinations by promoting responsible use of natural resources, reducing environmental impact and creating new green experiences for visitors.

The challenge also provides an opportunity for young innovators to explore solutions that can benefit communities, tourism businesses and the wider economy.

As Eswatini continues to position itself as a sustainable and competitive tourism destination, initiatives that bring together technology, entrepreneurship and environmental conservation are increasingly important in shaping the future of the sector.

The PachiPanda Challenge is therefore expected to provide a platform for the next generation of innovators to demonstrate how technology and local ideas can help build a greener, more resilient and tourism-friendly Eswatini.