South Africa has selected nine high-impact climate businesses for the 2026 cohort of the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA), a UK Government-funded initiative designed to help climate-focused enterprises secure investment and scale solutions critical to the country’s low-carbon transition.
The announcement comes as South Africa intensifies efforts to strengthen energy security, accelerate industrial decarbonisation, create jobs and build a more resilient economy under its Just Transition framework.
The new cohort spans renewable energy, sustainable aviation fuel, circular economy solutions, electric mobility, water resilience, waste beneficiation and ecosystem restoration, sectors increasingly viewed as essential to unlocking economic growth while meeting climate commitments.
The Climate Finance Accelerator South Africa, implemented by the National Business Initiative (NBI) and GreenCape with support from PwC UK, selected the businesses following a rigorous assessment of their commercial viability, climate impact potential, scalability and ability to contribute to inclusive economic development.
“The new CFA cohort showcases the depth of South African ingenuity,” said British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson.
“From renewable electricity and sustainable aviation fuel to circular economy homeware and electric mobility, these businesses are not just reducing emissions, they are creating jobs and building the infrastructure of a Just Transition.”
The latest intake arrives at a pivotal moment for Africa’s most industrialised economy. South Africa remains heavily dependent on coal, which contributes roughly 80% of electricity generation, while simultaneously facing mounting pressure to reduce emissions, modernise infrastructure and create employment opportunities for a rapidly growing workforce.
Since launching in South Africa, the Climate Finance Accelerator has emerged as a significant catalyst for climate investment. Between 2021 and 2024, the programme supported more than 43 climate-focused businesses, helping participants collectively secure over ZAR2 billion in catalytic finance to expand operations and scale innovative solutions.
The 2026 cohort reflects the growing sophistication of South Africa’s green economy.
Among the selected companies is BioVest Holdings (Pty) LTD, which converts agricultural waste into renewable biomethane and biogenic carbon dioxide to replace fossil fuels used in industrial heating processes.
Innotegy Renewable Fuels is developing a vertically integrated biorefinery aimed at producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, addressing one of the most challenging decarbonisation opportunities within global aviation.
Renewable energy developer M Squared Energy Group is advancing plans for a 500-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility in Limpopo, designed to supply clean electricity directly into South Africa’s national grid.
Women-led enterprise Mo’s Crib is transforming discarded PVC waste into premium handcrafted furniture and homeware products, demonstrating how circular economy models can create both environmental and economic value.
Electric mobility startup Nova Moto is introducing an energy-as-a-service model for motorcycle fleets, supported by battery-swapping infrastructure that could help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-powered transport.
Peco Power is deploying modular solar-powered direct current grids that provide affordable electricity access to households and small businesses through local youth entrepreneurs.
STROOM is creating a network of township-based cargo e-bike micro-hubs, enabling young people to access zero-emission delivery jobs while reducing urban transport emissions.
TaylorMade Water is combining industrial wastewater treatment with hydroponic agriculture, creating a model that conserves scarce freshwater resources while supporting food production.
Meanwhile, TERRAGRN is undertaking one of the cohort’s most ambitious environmental restoration projects, targeting the rehabilitation of 10,000 hectares of degraded land in Mpumalanga through invasive species removal, community-led agroforestry initiatives, and nature-based value chains focused on sustainable materials and bioenergy.
Together, the projects highlight growing investor interest in climate solutions that generate measurable environmental outcomes while delivering economic returns.
According to the International Energy Agency, clean energy investment across emerging and developing economies must increase significantly over the coming decade if countries are to meet climate targets while sustaining economic growth. South Africa has increasingly positioned itself as a key destination for climate-related capital, supported by international partnerships and policy reforms aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment and industrial transformation.
Participating businesses will now receive intensive technical assistance focused on improving investment readiness and access to finance. Support will include tailored workshops, one-on-one advisory services, and guidance from specialists in finance, engineering, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI).
“South Africa’s transition will be determined by how quickly we scale practical, investable solutions that deliver both climate impact and real economic opportunity,” said Shameela Soobramoney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Business Initiative.
“The 2026 CFA cohort showcases the strength of innovation across the country, from clean energy and sustainable mobility to circular and inclusive enterprise models. These businesses are not only reducing emissions, but they are also building new industries, creating jobs and shaping a more resilient and inclusive economy.”
GreenCape CEO Mike Mulcahy underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in driving sustainable growth.
“Entrepreneurs are the catalytic engine for growth. Supporting these firms to raise capital and to grow will create jobs and investment in the green economy. Good luck to the entrepreneurs, your effort, energy and determination are driving the Just Transition,” he said.
The programme will culminate in October when cohort members meet directly with investors and financial institutions during a dedicated matchmaking event. The engagement is expected to help businesses refine funding structures, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate capital raising efforts.
For South Africa, the stakes extend beyond climate action alone. With unemployment remaining among the highest in the world and infrastructure investment increasingly critical to future competitiveness, programmes such as the Climate Finance Accelerator are becoming central to efforts to unlock private capital and build a pipeline of investable projects capable of delivering long-term economic resilience.
As governments, investors and development institutions seek scalable solutions to climate and economic challenges, the 2026 CFA cohort offers a glimpse into the businesses shaping South Africa’s next phase of green industrial growth.
