15 South African Entrepreneurs Shortlisted for 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year
Fifteen South African businesses across sectors such as fintech, agriculture, tourism, and waste management have been shortlisted for the 38th Entrepreneur of the Year awards. The finalists, ranging from emerging companies to medium‑sized enterprises, showcase innovative solutions to local challeng…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a landmark announcement on 16 September 2026, Business Partners Limited revealed that fifteen South African entrepreneurs have earned a place on the shortlist for the 38th edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year awards. The finalists span a broad spectrum of industries—including fintech, agriculture, tourism, waste management, mobility, manufacturing, and education—demonstrating the country’s entrepreneurial resilience amid a challenging economic backdrop.
Shortlist Selection and Economic Context
The selection process divided the contenders into three distinct categories, each defined by turnover and trading history. Emerging businesses with annual revenues up to R10 million and medium‑sized enterprises generating over R50 million were evaluated on entrepreneurial ability, growth trajectory, management acumen, market strategy, financial performance, and social or environmental impact. The assessment also incorporated independently reviewed financial statements and compliance checks to ensure transparency and credibility.
South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, however, continues to face hurdles. A recent global assessment of 56 economies placed the country at a score of 3.9 out of 10, noticeably below the global average of 4.7. Key weaknesses identified included limited access to finance, insufficient government support, and challenges in market entry. The shortlisted entrepreneurs, therefore, represent not only business success but also a broader narrative of overcoming systemic obstacles.
Entrepreneurs Tackling Local Challenges
Many of the finalists have carved niches by addressing pressing local issues. For instance, PB Gaz, founded by Lwazi, Lwando, and Simnikiwe Ndlangalavu, delivers LPG cooking gas and related services to township households, schools, and small businesses, thereby enhancing energy access in underserved communities. Linda Ntshanga’s Ekash Group operates a fintech platform that offers mobile money services to individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), informal traders, and community groups, fostering financial inclusion across the country.
In the realm of environmental sustainability, Mxolisi Mhlongo’s Euphrosyne transforms invasive alien plants into charcoal, providing a dual benefit of waste reduction and alternative fuel production. Other emerging‑business finalists such as Bokamoso Farmers Academy, CoralBloom Studio, SoWeToo Tours, and Euphrosyne showcase innovations in agriculture education, creative arts, eco‑tourism, and sustainable agriculture, respectively.
Small and Medium‑Sized Business Highlights
The Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year category features a diverse lineup: Food Sock Meals, First Class Parking, Offshore Africa Training Centre, Donkey Long Tong, Noleo Projects, and Henque Waste. These ventures cover a range of sectors—from shelf‑stable food production and airport valet parking to oil and gas training, braai and fire‑tool manufacturing, construction engineering, and waste management and recycling.
On the medium‑size front, the finalists include The CMF Group, HSP Mobility Solutions, and TTI Bursary Management. The CMF Group operates in wholesale, distribution, and e‑commerce, supplying consumer electronics, mobile accessories, and homeware. HSP Mobility Solutions integrates driver training, fleet rental, and chauffeur services with AI‑powered mobility solutions, while TTI Bursary Management manages the bursary lifecycle for corporate funders, streamlining scholarship processes for students.
Next Steps and Anticipated Outcomes
Gugu Mjadu of Business Partners Limited highlighted that a common thread among this year’s finalists is their ability to convert persistent challenges into viable businesses. The awards panel will evaluate each entrant on a comprehensive set of criteria, including entrepreneurial skill, growth potential, management proficiency, market strategy, financial health, and contributions to social and environmental welfare.
Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in October. Each category—Small Business, Medium Business, and overall South African Entrepreneur of the Year—will yield a champion. Additionally, judges may confer special titles such as Job Creator, Innovator, and Impact Entrepreneur of the Year on finalists who demonstrate exceptional contributions to employment, market innovation, or social impact. Award recipients will receive a suite of benefits, including funding, mentorship, technical assistance, and enhanced business exposure.
As the nation watches these entrepreneurs, the event underscores the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering innovation in the face of economic adversity.
Key facts
- 15 entrepreneurs shortlisted across diverse sectors
- Shortlist based on turnover and trading history
- South Africa’s ecosystem scored 3.9/10, below global average
- Finalists tackle local challenges like energy and waste
- Winners announced in October with funding and mentorship
Why it matters
Highlighting these entrepreneurs showcases South Africa’s capacity for innovation and resilience, offering inspiration and potential investment opportunities for stakeholders worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What criteria were used to shortlist the finalists?
The panel assessed entrepreneurial ability, growth, management skills, market strategy, financial performance, and social/environmental impact, with independent financial reviews.
When will the awards ceremony take place?
The winners will be announced in October during a formal awards ceremony.
What additional titles may be awarded?
Judges may confer Job Creator, Innovator, and Impact Entrepreneur of the Year titles on finalists.
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “15 SA entrepreneurs shortlisted for 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year”
