Africa’s ‘Green Economy’ is booming. According to the World Economic Forum, the continent is home to an estimated 2.18 million social enterprises, generating around US$96 billion in annual revenue and supporting at least 12 million jobs, and South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in that growth.
Across the country, a new generation of entrepreneurs, conservationists, educators and innovators are developing practical solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges, and this story is reflected in the finalists announced today for the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards.
Now in its 15th year, the awards have become South Africa’s premier platform for celebrating environmental leadership, shining a spotlight on the pioneers driving positive change across conservation, climate action, water security, circular economy innovation, sustainable products and community empowerment.
The 2026 finalists demonstrate not only the remarkable depth of environmental innovation emerging across South Africa, but also the growing strength of the country’s green economy, where sustainability is increasingly creating jobs, unlocking opportunities and delivering lasting impact for both people and the planet.
“What has always made the Eco-Logic Awards unique is that they celebrate people who see environmental challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to innovate, collaborate and create meaningful change,” says David Parry-Davies, Founder of the Eco-Logic Awards and Editor of The Enviropaedia.
“Fifteen years ago, environmental innovation was still considered a niche space but today, sustainability has become one of the country’s most important drivers of innovation and enterprise. Every year we see more organisations developing solutions that conserve resources, restore ecosystems and more importantly, create livelihoods, inspire communities and strengthen our economy,” he adds.
The Green List
Among this year’s gold finalists are FreeMe Wildlife, recognised for their outstanding contribution to nature conservation, Project 90 by 2030 for advancing climate action, Nature Connect’s Sustainable Schools Online Hub for pioneering environmental education, FoodForward SA for its transformative work in the circular economy, WESSA for empowering communities through environmental stewardship, and Reforest Fest by Greenpop for demonstrating how eco-tourism can actively restore South Africa’s natural landscapes.
Individual changemakers have also been acknowledged for their exceptional leadership, including Siyabonga Stengana of Beauty by Nature under the Eco-Angel Award and Cynthia Moyo of Greenpeace Africa under the prestigious Eco-Warrior Award category.
Across the remaining categories, finalists were chosen for their work in championing sustainable fashion, environmentally responsible home products, eco-tourism, community development, water conservation, health and wellness.
“This year’s selection of finalists proves that sustainability is no longer confined to a single sector but is influencing every aspect of society but as a country, we possess the creativity, resilience and determination needed to tackle some of the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” says Parry-Davies.
The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for each category will be announced at the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards ceremony on Monday, 5 October 2026 at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. The prestigious event, which will be hosted by renowned comedian and presenter Themba Robin, coincides with World Habitat Day, providing a fitting platform to celebrate the growing importance of sustainability as a driver of innovation, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship in South Africa.
For more information, visit www.eco-logicawards.com.
2026 Eco-Logic Awards Finalists
The Nature Conservation Award
- FreeMe Wildlife
- Lapalala Wilderness School
- SHIELD Elephant Shepherd Programme
The Climate Change Award
- Greenpeace Africa Clean Air Campaign
- Lapalala Wilderness School
- Project 90 by 2030
The Eco-Innovation Award
- Circular Energy NPC – Specialised Collection Vehicle
- My Walk Made with Soul
- Nature Connect Sustainable Schools Online Hub
The Circular Economy and Waste Innovation Award
- FoodForward SA
- Uthando (Love) South Africa – Waste to Wonder
- UTTE Circular Construction Urban Systems Initiative
The Water Conservation Award
- AECI Kusini Water Programme
- People Planet Water for Life Project
- Scarab Water
The Eco-Fashion and Lifestyle Award
- Aard Footwear
- GUGUBYGUGU
- Nyambose Group – Ubuntu Curve
The Eco-Health and Wellness Award
- AECI and Palesa Pads
- Noodees
- Oya Foods
The Eco-Friendly Home Products Award
- African Grower
- Dekro Paints Enviro Range
- Nyambose Group Ubuntu Curve
The Eco-Community Award
- Thanda
- Thulamela Makhado Adopt A River
- WESSA
The Eco-Hospitality and Tourism Award
- Reforest Fest Greenpop
- Spur Corporation Integrated Sustainability Programme
- WESSA Green Key Programme
The Eco-Angel Award
- Delanie Bezuidenhout My Walk Made with Soul
- Michelle Henley Elephants Alive
- Siyabonga Stengana Beauty by Nature
The Eco-Warrior Award
- African Centre for Biodiversity
- Cynthia Moyo from Greenpeace Africa
- Gabriel Klaasen from Project 90 by 2030
