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 USD$96-billion in annual revenue and supporting at least 12-million jobs, and South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in that growth, says the awards.

Across the country, a new generation of entrepreneurs, conservationists, educators and innovators have been developing practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges, and this story aims to be reflected in the finalists announced today for the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards.

Now in its 15th year, the awards are a South African platform for celebrating environmental leadership, aimed at 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 aim to demonstrate not only the 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, says the awards.

"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," adds Parry-Davies.

The Green List

Among this year's Gold finalists are FreeMe Wildlife, recognised for their contribution to nature conservation, Project 90 by 2030 for advancing climate action, Nature Connect's Sustainable Schools Online Hub for environmental education, FoodForward SA for its 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 leadership, including Siyabonga Stengana of Beauty by Nature under the Eco-Angel Award and Cynthia Moyo of Greenpeace Africa under the Eco-Warrior Award category, says the awards.

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, adds the awards.

"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 at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

The event, which will be hosted by Comedian and Presenter, Themba Robin, coincides with World Habitat Day, aiming to provide a fitting platform to celebrate the growing importance of sustainability as a driver of innovation, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship in South Africa.

2026 Eco-Logic Awards Finalists

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Nature Conservation Award:

  • FreeMe Wildlife
  • Lapalala Wilderness School
  • SHIELD Elephant Shepherd Programme

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Climate Change Award:

  • Greenpeace Africa Clean Air Campaign
  • Lapalala Wilderness School
  • Project 90 by 2030

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Innovation Award:

  • Circular Energy NPC — Specialised Collection Vehicle
  • My Walk Made with Soul
  • Nature Connect Sustainable Schools Online Hub

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Circular Economy and Waste Innovation Award:

  • FoodForward SA
  • Uthando (Love) South Africa — Waste to Wonder
  • UTTE Circular Construction Urban Systems Initiative

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Water Conservation Award:

  • AECI Kusini Water Programme
  • People Planet Water for Life Project
  • Scarab Water

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Fashion and Lifestyle Award:

  • Aard Footwear
  • GUGUBYGUGU
  • Nyambose Group — Ubuntu Curve

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Health and Wellness Award:

  • AECI and Palesa Pads
  • Noodees
  • Oya Foods 

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Friendly Home Products Award:

  • African Grower
  • Dekro Paints Enviro Range
  • Nyambose Group Ubuntu Curve

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Community Award:

  • Thanda
  • Thulamela Makhado Adopt A River
  • WESSA

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Hospitality and Tourism Award:

  • Reforest Fest Greenpop
  • Spur Corporation Integrated Sustainability Programme
  • WESSA Green Key Programme

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Angel Award:

  • Delanie Bezuidenhout My Walk Made with Soul
  • Michelle Henley Elephants Alive
  • Siyabonga Stengana Beauty by Nature

The Eco-Logic Awards finalists for The Eco-Warrior Award:

  • African Centre for Biodiversity
  • Cynthia Moyo from Greenpeace Africa
  • Gabriel Klaasen from Project 90 by 2030

For more information, visit www.eco-logicawards.com. You can also follow the Eco-Logic Awards on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor