South Africa’s transition to a low‑carbon, resilient and inclusive economy received a powerful boost at the 2026 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP‑SA) National Awards, held on 19 March 2026 during South African Innovation Week. Hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the gala event honoured ten pioneering startups whose solutions respond directly to the country’s most pressing climate, water, energy, and waste challenges.
This year’s awards marked the culmination of the 2025/26 GCIP-SA Accelerator, through which 38 early‑stage enterprises received intensive coaching, mentoring, training, expert support and investor‑readiness preparation. From these, ten standout finalists emerged following rigorous technical and business assessments by national judges.
Celebrating Home‑Grown Climate Solutions
This year’s top honours went to Vonnie Projects (Limpopo), which was named GCIP-SA 2026 Overall Winner for its innovative waste‑beneficiation solutions that transform agricultural residues and invasive biomass into Tokosickle® high‑nutrient livestock feed and Dungbrix® clean‑burning energy briquettes. Founder Vonnie Baloyi was recognised for delivering regenerative, climate‑smart innovations rooted in rural community experience and resourcefulness.
Runner‑up recognition went to Phoka M Holdings (Mpumalanga), led by 22‑year‑old Lerato Nomvula Waters‑Maine, for AquaFusion360 — a scalable, chemical‑free water treatment technology designed for mining, industrial and municipal operations.
Second runner‑up Godisang Spaces (Gauteng), founded by Tumisang Maramane, was awarded for its CircularBuild digital marketplace that enables automated matching and reuse of construction materials, significantly reducing construction‑sector waste.
Innovators from the three top ventures represented South Africa at the Global Pitching Competition in Vienna, Austria, in April 2026. After a highly competitive first round involving participants from 22 countries, Phoka M Holdings advanced to the final six, earning the opportunity to participate in the Cleantech Innovation Showcase: Live Entrepreneur Pitches at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF). This platform provided them with valuable exposure to IVECF attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers and financiers. Phoka M Holdings was subsequently selected as the winner of the Social Impact Award.
Meet the 2026 GCIP-SA Top 10 Finalists
These ten innovators represent the breadth and ingenuity of South Africa’s emerging cleantech sector. In addition to the three top performers mentioned above, they are:
Dakar Consulting – Northern Cape (Water Efficiency)
Lead: Siyabonga Makoa, 19
Developed a solar‑powered desalination and off‑grid electricity system providing clean drinking water and energy security to underserved communities.
Gemanlee – Gauteng (Waste Beneficiation)
Lead: Ntombiyenkosi Nkosi, 30
Recovering high‑purity graphite from electric vehicle batteries, strengthening South Africa’s local circular economy and critical mineral value chains.
Kasi Gas (Gentle Ginger Holdings) – Mpumalanga (Energy Efficiency)
Lead: Thabo Mngomezulu, 31
Converting organic waste into biogas and biofertiliser, reducing energy costs and improving agricultural productivity.
Mosebe Enterprise – Western Cape (Energy Efficiency)
Lead: Vincent Mosebe, 27
Creator of Tsepo V3, an off‑grid energy system optimised for township and rural households with low sunlight conditions.
NutriXect – Mpumalanga (Waste Beneficiation)
Lead: Tephney Missengue Na Moutoula, 35
Uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to turn food and agricultural waste into high‑protein poultry feed.
The Itsile Group – Gauteng (Green Transportation)
Lead: Kamogeloo Motshidi, 37
Developer of FLEETAINABLE, a smart logistics platform helping organisations monitor carbon emissions and optimise fuel and resource use.
The Makers Club – KwaZulu-Natal (Agri‑Tech)
Lead: Jadean Wright, 24
Created a Smart Farming System that enhances irrigation efficiency, soil health, and climate resilience for farmers.
The finalists also reflect the programme’s commitment to transformation and youth inclusion: 60% youth participation, 35% women‑led enterprises, and strong representation from underserved provinces.
Partners Driving Inclusive, Sustainable Innovation
The GCIP-SA is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented globally by UNIDO, with TIA as the South African executing agency, joined by Impact Amplifier in 2024 to support cleantech early‑stage finance through a dedicated debt fund.
A Decade of Impact – and a Pipeline for the Future
The CGIP is a global initiative that promotes clean technology innovation and supports entrepreneurs to grow their SMMEs and start-ups into viable, investment-ready businesses. Innovators benefit from acceleration, training, mentoring, access to capital and markets, platforms to showcase their inventions and by joining a vibrant youth-driven community.
Since its inception in 2014, the GCIP-SA has supported more than 265 innovators, many of whom have progressed into advanced commercialisation and secured investment. More than R150 million in funding has been mobilised through GCIP‑linked initiatives.
TIA Executive Mr. Tyira emphasised the strategic importance of the programme:
“The 10 finalists share a bigger vision – to address African and global priorities. Their success positions South Africa as a leader in the global sustainability movement.”
Also speaking at the awards event, Speaking at the awards event, UNIDO’s Acting Representative for Southern Africa, Mr. Levy Maduse, highlighted the strength of GCIP’s multi‑partner model:
“GCIP-SA proves that when government, international partners, industry, and entrepreneurs come together, we create impact far greater than the sum of our parts.”
Looking Ahead
As South Africa accelerates its response to climate change, energy insecurity and resource constraints, the GCIP-SA finalists demonstrate that world‑class solutions are emerging from every corner of the country – from rural Limpopo to the townships of Mpumalanga and the farms of KwaZulu‑Natal.
The 2026 cohort shows that cleantech innovation is no longer a niche sector. It is now a driving force in shaping a resilient, inclusive and competitive South African economy.
