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Unilever, British High Commission, and EY Grant R9 Million to Four Innovative South African Start-ups

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In a significant boost to local innovation, Unilever South Africa, the British High Commission South Africa and EY have announced a grant of over R9 million to four pioneering South African start-ups. This funding, coupled with business support and mentorship, aims to drive impactful solutions in plastic waste management and contribute to a circular economy.

Mr Patrick Krappie, TIA Executive - Innovation Enabling.
Leanne Jones.
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa.
Sithembile Ngobese, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Business – Southern Africa.
Biki Marijanovic, Associate partner at EY.
Marc Wetselaar (Smartfill).
Nandipha Tutani (African Reclaimers Organisation).
Ebenhaezer de Jongh (Sonke).
Linah Maphanga (Groovetech).
Mr Patrick Krappie, TIA Executive - Innovation Enabling.

The Start-ups Leading the Charge

The selected start-ups, chosen from more than 70 applicants, are set to revolutionise the way plastic waste is reduced, collected, and processed. The initiative is part of the TRANSFORM South Africa programme, which is aimed at fostering innovative solutions that address environmental challenges and promote socio-economic development.

  • African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO): ARO integrates informal waste workers into the formal waste management system, enhancing their working conditions and livelihoods.
  • Sonke: Sonke is transforming consumer goods consumption for low-income communities through automated refill stations, allowing consumers to refill their own containers at bulk prices while eliminating single-use packaging.
  • GrooveTech: GrooveTech is using recycled plastic waste to build durable, pothole-free, and climate-resilient roads, improving the livelihoods of informal waste workers.
  • Smartfill: Smartfill is improving food affordability and reducing plastic pollution by replacing single-use packaging with refills in spaza stores through smart, digitally-enabled dispensers.
  • Stiriboy: A project focused on establishing township enterprises and creating jobs by setting up distribution centres, manufacturing electric motorbikes, and using an app to deliver FMCG goods affordably to township consumers.
  • Mabagaba: Offers an innovative farming solution that aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture and sustainability. They utilise African Grower Technology, which is developed and manufactured in Africa, to tackle the continent's resource limitations. They provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, skills, and experience in agri-enterprise and management to support commercial farming.

Collaborative Effort for Greater Impact

TRANSFORM South Africa, led by Unilever, the British High Commission South Africa, and EY, will match the grant funding with business insight, practical experience, resources, and networks. This collaborative effort aims to support these visionary enterprises in scaling their impact and driving broader socio-economic change.

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, played a crucial role in promoting applications and providing input during the selection process. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors in advancing local innovation.

We are proud to support the African Reclaimers Organisation, Sonke, GrooveTech, and Smartfill as they improve the livelihoods of local communities and address plastic waste in the region.

Justin Apsey, General Manager of Unilever Southern Africa

A Bright Future for South African Innovation

The new cohort of South African start-ups will join three others supported by TRANSFORM in the country to date, including The Social Factory by Oxfam South Africa, IMAGINEIF, and Loowatt. These enterprises have collectively reached millions of people and are part of a wider TRANSFORM global community that spans 17 countries.

As these start-ups embark on their journey to scale their impact, the collaborative support from Unilever, the British High Commission South Africa, EY, and TIA will be instrumental in driving sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy in South Africa.

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