Eco-Logic Awards 2026 finalists announced, from GuguByGugu to FoodForward SA

GuguByGugu — an innovative, sustainable South African luxury streetwear brand founded and led by creative director Gugu Peteni — is one of this year’s Eco-Logic Award finalists. Image supplied.

According to the World Economic Forum, Africa is home to an estimated 2.18 million social enterprises, generating around $96bn in annual revenue and supporting at least 12 million jobs.

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 for the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards.

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.

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Meet the 2026 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

“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 hosted by renowned comedian and presenter Themba Robin on Monday, 5 October 2026, which coincides with World Habitat Day, at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.