Southern African Circular Economy Businesses Compete for R250,000 Investment
Southern African Circular Economy Businesses Compete for R250,000 Investment. Established businesses across Southern Africa that are developing circular economy solutions can apply for the 2026 Circular Innovation Challenge, with the winning business eligible for a R250,000 investment.
The challenge is aimed at businesses that are already operating and working to reduce waste, retain the value of materials or contribute to regenerative economic systems. It is not intended for early-stage business ideas.
Previous winners have included businesses converting river waste into products such as coasters and garden stakes, recycling defunct solar panels, and providing township customers with reusable containers to purchase exact quantities of goods.
The 2026 finalists will have opportunities to connect with investors, policymakers, partners and potential markets. They will also have opportunities to test and develop their businesses within the V&A Waterfront ecosystem in Cape Town.
Finalists will present their businesses at the ninth Market Systems Symposium, which will take place in Cape Town from 20 to 22 October and is hosted by the Vikāra Institute.
According to the V&A Waterfront, the challenge differs from a conventional pitch competition because finalists can potentially test their solutions in a precinct that already has several circular economy initiatives.
These include a harbour net recycling facility at Collier Jetty, an on-site waste recovery and recycling centre, and composting operations that process hundreds of tonnes of organic waste each month.
The V&A Waterfront’s 1,000-square-metre Circular Maker Space, launched with the Craft and Design Institute at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, also provides designers and entrepreneurs with equipment to manufacture products using recycled materials.
Eligible businesses can operate across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, food systems, construction, fashion and textiles, packaging, energy, technology, and waste and resource management.
The challenge is presented by Solve with support from the V&A Waterfront and in partnership with the Vikāra Institute.
Applications close on 20 September 2026.
