Cameroon Clinches Back-to-Back Victory at Africa PachiPanda Challenge

Young Cameroonian innovators have once again placed their country at the forefront of technological innovation on the continent, emerging as champions of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge for the second consecutive year.
The grand finale of the pan-African competition took place on February 10, 2026, in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the presence of distinguished guests and industry leaders. Organized by the MTN Group in partnership with WWF, the Africa PachiPanda Challenge is a flagship initiative designed to empower young Africans aged 18 to 35 to develop entrepreneurial and technological solutions addressing the continent’s pressing environmental challenges — particularly those linked to the food, energy, and water nexus.
The competition unfolded in two stages: a national selection phase in participating countries, followed by a continental final where top projects were pitched before a jury of experts in finance and sustainable development.
Cameroon secured first place with the innovative nTron STEM Kit, presented by Arnaud Njita. The project earned widespread acclaim for its transformative approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, equipping students with cutting-edge tools to enhance practical learning and technological skills.
In addition to the top prize, Cameroon also claimed third place with AgriCheck, a solution developed by Bill Agha. The platform focuses on optimizing agricultural management and strengthening food security, positioning itself as a key contributor to sustainable farming practices across the continent.
This year’s triumph mirrors Cameroon’s success in the inaugural edition of the competition held in Johannesburg last year, where the country also secured first and third places. The consecutive double victory underscores the strength, resilience, and growing maturity of Cameroon’s green innovation ecosystem.
The winning teams were awarded 3 million FCFA and 1.5 million FCFA respectively. All finalist teams received connectivity equipment and will benefit from strategic support to scale their solutions across Africa through MTN’s pan-African network and its partners. The program also offers mentorship, visibility, investor access, and tailored guidance to accelerate the deployment of sustainable innovations.
MTN Cameroon and WWF Cameroon expressed pride in celebrating the outstanding performance of Cameroonian innovators on the continental stage.
“At MTN Cameroon, we firmly believe in the power of youth and innovation to transform our communities,” said Melvin Akam, General Manager of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at MTN Cameroon. “The exceptional performances recorded this year demonstrate the creativity, determination, and excellence of young Cameroonians. We are proud to support these talents who contribute directly to building a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.”
Once again, Cameroon has demonstrated that its youth are a powerful engine for sustainable development in Africa. Through continued collaboration, MTN Cameroon and WWF Cameroon reaffirm their commitment to fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and empowering young people to build a greener, more technologically driven future for the continent.