About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Apply for the SEACon 2026 Student Innovation Competition and showcase innovative solutions in ESG, responsible AI, human rights, biodiversity, digital inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa.
Applications are now open for the SEACon 2026 Student Innovation Competition, a flagship initiative of the Sustainability and ESG Africa Conference & Expo (SEACon) designed to spotlight Africa’s most innovative student-led solutions addressing sustainability, governance, inclusion, and social impact challenges.
The competition provides a platform for students and emerging innovators from across Africa to showcase bold, practical, and scalable ideas that can contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. Organizers are calling on participants to move beyond conventional sustainability topics and develop innovative approaches that address complex systemic issues affecting communities, industries, and economies.
As sustainability conversations continue to evolve globally, SEACon 2026 aims to encourage fresh perspectives that challenge traditional thinking and promote meaningful change across the continent.
A New Focus on Emerging ESG Challenges
According to the competition organizers, previous editions attracted a significant number of submissions focused on renewable energy and waste management solutions. While these areas remain critical to sustainable development, they have become widely explored and supported within innovation ecosystems.
For the 2026 edition, the competition is intentionally shifting its focus toward underexplored yet increasingly important Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.
Participants are encouraged to develop innovative solutions in areas such as:
Human rights and social justice
Ethical and transparent value chains
Responsible artificial intelligence (AI)
Digital inclusion and equitable technology access
Biodiversity conservation
Sustainable governance systems
Inclusive economic participation
Social innovation and community resilience
The competition seeks projects that not only identify challenges but also propose realistic, implementable solutions capable of creating measurable impact.
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Development
SEACon organizers emphasize that sustainability is no longer limited to environmental protection alone. Today’s challenges require a broader understanding of how economies operate, who benefits from development, and how opportunities can be distributed more equitably.
The Student Innovation Competition therefore encourages applicants to explore questions such as:
How can technology be used responsibly and inclusively?
How can businesses strengthen ethical sourcing and value chains?
What solutions can improve access to economic opportunities for marginalized communities?
How can biodiversity be protected while supporting economic growth?
What innovative approaches can strengthen human rights protections across sectors?
By focusing on these critical questions, the competition aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of addressing Africa’s sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary and systems-based thinking.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experienced sustainability, governance, and business leaders from across Africa.
Entries will be assessed based on several key factors, including:
Clarity of the proposed solution
Originality and innovation
Practicality and feasibility
Scalability and long-term sustainability
Potential for measurable ESG impact
Contribution to inclusive development outcomes
The judges will be looking for ideas that move beyond theory and demonstrate clear pathways toward implementation and real-world results.
Meet the SEACon 2026 Judging Panel
The competition features a distinguished panel of sustainability and ESG experts representing leading organizations across Africa.
Judges for the 2026 edition include:
Ronell Govender – Global Sustainability Business Partner, Naspers
Lauren Rota – Vice President, DP World
Yolan Friedmann – Chief Executive Officer, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
Lourens Erasmus – Environmental Law Expert and Legal Consultant, North-West University
Samuel Kgarimetsa – General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Anglo American
Tiekie Barnard – Chief Executive Officer, Shared Value Africa
Juana Hatfield – Director and Founder, Sustainability Africa Group
Their collective expertise spans sustainability strategy, environmental conservation, governance, corporate responsibility, policy development, and social impact.
Why Students Should Apply
The SEACon Student Innovation Competition offers more than recognition. It provides aspiring innovators with an opportunity to gain visibility among industry leaders, sustainability professionals, investors, policymakers, and development practitioners.
Key benefits include:
Exposure to leading ESG and sustainability experts
Opportunities to showcase innovative solutions to influential stakeholders
Professional recognition and networking opportunities
Contribution to meaningful sustainability and development outcomes
Potential pathways for future collaboration and support
The competition serves as a launchpad for young innovators seeking to transform ideas into impactful solutions that address Africa’s evolving development priorities.
Advancing Africa’s Sustainability Future
As ESG principles become increasingly central to business, policy, and development strategies across Africa, initiatives such as the SEACon Student Innovation Competition play a vital role in nurturing future leaders and changemakers.
By encouraging students to tackle issues such as responsible AI, ethical governance, biodiversity protection, and digital inclusion, the competition aligns with emerging global sustainability priorities while maintaining a strong focus on African realities.
Students with transformative ideas that can contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future are encouraged to submit their abstracts and become part of Africa’s growing movement of innovation-driven change.
How to apply