ICLEI Africa, a leading global network dedicated to sustainable urban development, has launched an open call for business solutions aimed at tackling one of Johannesburg’s most pressing environmental challenges: solid waste management, circular economy innovation, and the restoration of clean public spaces. In partnership with the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), this initiative forms part of the UrbanShift City–Business Collaboration Accelerator (CiBiX) — a dynamic platform designed to bridge the gap between municipal priorities and private-sector innovation.
The CiBiX Workshop, scheduled for 17 October 2025 in Johannesburg, invites businesses operating in or seeking to expand within the Gauteng City-Region to present scalable, sustainable, and socially inclusive technologies, products, services, or partnerships that address key gaps in waste value chains and ecosystem resilience.
This is not a tender, but a strategic opportunity for entrepreneurs, green tech startups, social enterprises, and established firms to pitch innovative solutions, engage directly with city officials, and potentially influence future procurement, pilot projects, or public-private partnerships.
Sustainability Challenge: Waste, Circularity & Public Space
Johannesburg faces growing pressures from rising waste generation, inadequate collection coverage — especially in informal settlements — illegal dumping, and dwindling landfill capacity. Despite investments in buyback centres and recycling infrastructure, operational inconsistencies limit their impact. At the same time, valuable organic and inorganic waste streams are underutilized, missing opportunities for job creation, local economic development, and climate action.
The City has identified five core innovation needs:
- Expanding waste collection to underserved areas through novel cooperatives or delivery models.
- Improving sorting and separation of recyclables by integrating informal waste pickers.
- Preventing waste at source via upstream circular interventions.
- Extracting value from waste streams to build new circular economy value chains.
- Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems and former dumping sites into functional public spaces.
Businesses are invited to propose solutions that align with these challenges while supporting broader city strategies, including the Johannesburg 2040 Growth & Development Strategy, Environmental Sustainability Strategy & Action Plan (ESS&AP), and Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Who Should Apply?
The call is open to all businesses that:
- Are based in, operate within, or plan to expand into the Gauteng City-Region
- Offer innovative, technically viable solutions in waste management, circular economy, or urban ecosystem restoration
- Demonstrate potential for job creation, particularly for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and informal sector workers
- Show commitment to local procurement, equity, and inclusive growth
- Can deliver measurable social, economic, and environmental impacts
Startups, SMEs, cooperatives, and large enterprises are all encouraged to apply — especially those leveraging technology, community-based models, or nature-based solutions.
How to Submit Your Business Solution
Interested companies must submit the following by 30 September 2025 at 23:59 SAST:
- Completed Online Form: Accessible via https://forms.gle/…
- Pitch Deck (max. 12 slides): A clear, creative presentation covering:
- The problem addressed and alignment with innovation needs
- Technical details and financial model
- Beneficiaries and employment potential
- Environmental and social impact
- Stakeholder engagement approach
- Supporting Documents: Optional links to portfolios, case studies, or videos
- Confirmation of Availability to attend the CiBiX Workshop on 17 October 2025
For full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and policy context, download the official call document:
UrbanShift CiBiX Workshop – Call for Business Solutions (PDF)
What Happens After Submission?
All submissions will undergo a screening process. Shortlisted companies will be notified by 6 October 2025 and formally invited to the CiBiX Workshop. During the event, participants will:
- Receive insights from municipal leaders on current challenges and policy direction
- Pitch their solution to city stakeholders
- Engage in facilitated “World Café” discussions to refine ideas and explore collaboration pathways
Outcomes will include shared learning, networking, brand visibility, and the possibility of future engagement with the City of Johannesburg — though participation does not guarantee contracts or funding.
Related opportunity: Apply Now: TIA BRICS STI Innovation Call 2025 for Global R&D Collaboration
What This Means for Johannesburg and Beyond
This initiative highlights a growing shift toward collaborative governance, where cities leverage private-sector innovation to solve sustainability challenges. For businesses, the CiBiX platform offers:
- Direct access to decision-makers.
- Real-world testing opportunities in Johannesburg.
- Visibility as leaders in South Africa’s green economy.
- The chance to turn waste into opportunity while contributing to climate action and sustainable urban growth.
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