An annual pan‑African student innovation challenge aligned with the Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo (SEACon), designed to spotlight creative, real-world solutions to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges across the continent.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
- Age: Up to 30 years old
- Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled at an accredited African university or higher‑education institution
- Entry: Open to individual applicants or teams from any discipline
Themes & Topics (2025 edition)
Participants should propose innovative ideas under one of the following ESG-focused themes:
- Driving an ESG culture within organisations
- Environmental & social consciousness education
- Leveraging tech/digital solutions for sustainability
- Sustainable supply chains & responsible sourcing
- Social entrepreneurship & ESG-driven impact
- Resilient and regenerative urban design
- Circular economy: turning waste into wealth
- Nature-positive innovation through ecosystem regeneration.
Submission Process & Format
PHASE 1 – ABSTRACT (ONE‑PAGE PDF)
- Submit a concise PDF abstract summarising your innovative ESG solution and link it clearly to one of the competition themes.
- Submit by 25 July 2025 via email to hannelie@esgafricaconference.com
- Included criteria: originality, feasibility, clarity, potential impact, and relevance to theme.
PHASE 2 – FINAL ESSAY (FOR TOP 5 FINALISTS)
- By 28 August 2025, the top five abstracts will be selected and the finalists notified
- Finalists prepare a full essay (2,000–3,000 words; some sources note 3,000+, but consensus is between 2K and 3K) expanding their proposal
- Essay deadline: 25 September 2025
Prizes & Recognition
- First prize: R 40,000 & live presentation slot at the SEACon conference
- Runner-up: R 20,000 cash prize and conference tickets
- The winner and runner-up will be officially announced at SEACon on 15 October 2025, and presentations will follow on 16 October 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa
How to Apply for the Competition
- Select one of the 2025 competition themes (See above).
- Draft a one-page abstract (PDF) summarising your idea, its feasibility, impact, and alignment.
- Email your abstract to hannelie@esgafricaconference.com by 25 July 2025.
- If selected among the top five (notified by 28 August), prepare a full 2,000–3,000-word essay.
- Submit the essay by 25 September 2025.
- If chosen as winner or runner-up, you’ll be invited to present at SEACon on 16 October 2025.
Registration or a direct portal link isn’t needed; All submissions are via email to Hannelie as above.
