A research team at the University of Johannesburg is developing a Pure Electric Vehicle (PEV) designed to reduce environmental pollution from conventional agricultural machinery. Led by Prof. Nnamdi Nwulu and Mr. Musole I. Muheme, the initiative addresses the need for cleaner, energy-efficient alternatives in the agricultural sector. The PEV integrates advanced control technologies, including a loop controller that minimizes voltage drop and optimizes power use. With remote control functionality to support precision farming, the vehicle is tailored to the needs of small-scale agricultural operations. The solution offers a sustainable, low-emission alternative that contributes to both environmental conservation and improved farming efficiency.

The Waste Takers is a South African company that develops waste management solutions through digital tools and behavior-based solutions. In response to widespread challenges such as poor municipal waste service delivery, limited recycling infrastructure, and low rates of separation at source, The Waste Takers has developed the TWT Smart App and Smart Bins - a platform that connects waste generators with waste collectors across the entire value chain. Through the TWT Smart App, users can access real-time information, schedule waste collections, track impact, and earn rewards for correct recycling practices. The Waste Takers encourages a culture of recycling and environmental stewardship. Smart Bins integrated with IoT technology help optimize collection logistics and provide data insights to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

SOLDEVCO (Pty) Ltd develops and supplies solutions for water management and treatment across agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, irrigation and wastewater applications. It is a 100% youth women-owned enterprise, with a management team bringing a combined 45 years of experience in civil engineering and water quality management. Soldevco’s offerings include Ultra-Oxygen™ technology, which uses micro- and ultrafine bubble generation to increase dissolved oxygen levels and support improved water quality and nutrient delivery. The company also provides complementary solutions such as the UO2-Drylet biocatalyst for bioremediation, UO2-Quantum Disinfection™ systems based on silver-infused ceramic media and IoT-enabled platforms for real-time monitoring and control of water parameters. The company operates in the manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and professional, scientific, and technical services sectors. Its technologies are deployed in South Africa and select international markets, including Europe and the Middle East, and are applied in projects related to water efficiency, pollution management, and sustainable resource use.

Advocates for Green Environment is a startup company focused on the development of sustainable building materials derived from waste streams. The company operates within the construction and built environment sector, with an emphasis on resource recovery and material innovation. Its activities center on transforming waste into functional construction products, contributing to circular economy principles by reducing landfill disposal and supporting more sustainable material supply chains. Through research, product development, and applied innovation, Advocates for Green Environment works to integrate eco-conscious practices into conventional construction processes. The company’s work supports environmentally responsible development and the creation of more sustainable communities by promoting the use of alternative materials with reduced environmental impact.

Univers Casa Bio produces and sells biochar as a clean alternative to traditional wood charcoal and offers biofertilizers as substitutes for chemical fertilizers. Their products are eco-friendly and economical, emitting less smoke and CO₂, and are packaged in biodegradable bags. These can be purchased with “green vouchers” and delivered directly to households. The company offers a range of biocombustibles tailored to various culinary needs (e.g., tea, meals, grilling, fish smoking, incense, fire starters) and a variety of biofertilizers for use by farmers, market gardeners, and home gardeners. Both product lines are available in multiple sizes and formats to meet diverse use cases.

NRT (Ngom Recyclage Transformation) offers an innovative solution to plastic pollution in Senegal, where over 250,000 tons of plastic are produced annually, but only 8% are recycled. The company developed a patented machine—unique in Africa—that can recycle aluminum packaging films, a type of waste previously considered unrecyclable. Beyond aluminum films, NRT collects and processes various plastics (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, PET), transforming them into durable products such as mats and household items. By partnering with youth groups, waste collectors, and companies like Auchan and Senico, NRT creates local economic opportunities, reduces environmental pollution, and supports public health. Their circular economy model integrates social impact, environmental protection, and innovation, positioning NRT as a scalable, sustainable alternative to conventional recycling approaches.

SenEx is a Senegalese startup that developed a solution called FUSOL - a solar-powered fish smoker to address the health, environmental, and economic challenges of traditional wood-fired smoking practices in rural Senegal. Conventional smoking releases harmful emissions, causes respiratory illness—particularly for women and children—and contributes to deforestation and carbon emissions. By using renewable solar energy, FUSOL’s smoke-free technology eliminates air pollution entirely, improving public health and reducing environmental impact. The device is cost-effective, easy to operate, and eliminates fuel costs. It also ensures consistent, hygienic smoking, enhancing food safety and product quality for local fish processors. The innovation supports climate action, air quality improvement, and income generation for vulnerable rural communities.

Eco-Tri Senegal is a waste prevention and management company established in 2019, providing integrated waste management solutions for households and businesses. The company operates with a focus on improving access to structured waste services and supporting the development of local waste management value chains. Eco-Tri Senegal offers a portfolio of waste collection and management products adapted to different user needs. These include household waste containers, wheeled bins and larger collection infrastructure such as skips for commercial and industrial clients. The company also supports the separation, collection and handling of recyclable materials, including paper, plastic and glass. For business and institutional clients, Eco-Tri Senegal provides services for the management of specific waste streams, including hazardous and special waste such as batteries, chemicals, and electrical and electronic equipment. In addition, the company delivers waste recovery solutions that enable the transformation of organic waste into value-added outputs, such as compost and biomethane. Eco-Tri Senegal works with clients to design waste management solutions aligned with operational needs and sustainability objectives, offering services that cover collection, sorting, treatment and recovery.

SIMIT (Société d’Irrigation et de la Maintenance Informatique et Télécommunication) is a digital solutions company operating at the intersection of agriculture, information technology and telecommunications. The company develops digital technologies that support water management, agricultural operations and IT infrastructure services. SIMIT’s core offering includes smart irrigation systems designed to improve water use efficiency in agricultural settings. The system integrates sensors, remote access functionality, and data-driven algorithms to enable precise irrigation management without the need for continuous on-site presence. In parallel, SIMIT develops custom digital products across web, mobile and desktop environments, including web-based platforms, mobile applications and iOS solutions. These services are complemented by the provision of IT and electronic equipment, as well as infographics and multimedia services. The company also delivers preventive and corrective maintenance services for IT and telecommunications infrastructure, focusing on system reliability, monitoring and proactive issue management.