By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
MTN Eswatini is using the
PachiPanda Challenge to promote youth innovation and entrepreneurship as part
of efforts to address unemployment by turning solutions to community challenges
into sustainable businesses.
MTN Eswatini Chief Executive
Officer Jerry J. Soko said the initiative was inspired by discussions with
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya on how
innovation could create opportunities for young people while addressing some of
the country’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
Soko said many solutions to
these challenges already exist within the creativity, resilience and ingenuity
of young people but require platforms, mentorship and support to transform
ideas into practical impact.
The MTN PachiPanda Challenge
Eswatini, known as Likhambi Lemvelo, is designed to provide that platform by
enabling young innovators to identify real problems, develop practical
solutions and create ventures capable of improving lives while generating opportunities
for others.
According to Soko, the
initiative goes beyond a conventional competition by placing innovation and
entrepreneurship at the centre of efforts to create sustainable opportunities
for young people.
Winners of the challenge
will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to represent Eswatini at the
continental level, competing against innovators from across MTN’s African
markets.
The continental opportunity
is expected to provide young Eswatini innovators with a platform to showcase
their ideas beyond the national market and demonstrate the potential of locally
developed solutions.
Soko said MTN Eswatini views
investment in innovation as an investment in the future, noting that some of
Africa’s most transformative ideas are being developed by young entrepreneurs
with a strong understanding of the challenges facing their communities.
He expressed confidence in
the next generation of Eswatini innovators following the talent, creativity and
passion demonstrated during the challenge.
Soko also acknowledged the
contribution of Minister Savannah Maziya for her commitment to empowering young
people through innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as Acting Minister
Sikhumbuzo Dlamini for emphasising the importance of collaboration between
government, business and society.
He further thanked the
initiative’s partners, mentors and participating young innovators, saying their
ideas have the potential to create impact beyond Eswatini’s borders.
