Green Entrepreneurs Secure R710,000 in Support at Nedbank Indaba

Green Entrepreneurs Secure R710,000 in Support at Nedbank Indaba. Three South African green businesses shared R710,000 in funding and business support at the 2026 Nedbank Green Economy Indaba and Nedbank Green Economy Awards held in Houghton, Johannesburg.

MHS Farming, Greatful Agriculture and Malesedi participated in a Dragons’ Den-style pitching competition during the event, presenting their businesses to a panel of industry leaders and professionals.

The entrepreneurs operate across sectors including water and sanitation, waste and recycling, renewable energy and regenerative agriculture.

The event formed part of Nedbank’s Green Economy Social Impact Strategy, which focuses on supporting and scaling enterprises that address environmental challenges while creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni said South Africa’s green transition should not be viewed only as an environmental obligation, highlighting its potential for industrialisation and small enterprise development.

She also pointed to initiatives involving youth partnerships in areas including e-mobility, textile-waste recycling, the blue economy and sustainable agriculture.

Nedbank executive head of the social impact unit Poovi Pillay said the transition to a greener economy presented opportunities to create sustainable jobs, support innovation and build more resilient communities.

The event also saw the announcement of a new partnership between Nedbank and Innovate Durban. The partnership is intended to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate green enterprise growth.

Through the partnership, qualifying enterprises will be able to access funding support of up to R200,000. The support is aimed at helping innovators move from concept to commercialisation.

The partnership will place emphasis on businesses led by youth, women and persons with disabilities.

Pillay said partnerships were important to achieving the scale of impact required for South Africa’s green transition, adding that collaboration with organisations such as Innovate Durban would bring together resources, expertise and networks.

The indaba concluded with the Nedbank Green Economy Awards. Greatful Agriculture, Iphupholwethu, Nolengka Farm and Timbali were named among the top winners, while Indalo & R Labs were also noted.