Batho Pele BioLoop Africa: Taking South African Innovation to the World

Batho Pele BioLoop Africa, an innovative student-led enterprise from Nelson Mandela University, is using entrepreneurial action to turn waste into valuable resources while addressing challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability and youth unemployment.

Through a circular economy approach, the enterprise combines solar-powered hydroponic farming with innovative waste management solutions. It produces fresh food while transforming food waste into animal feed, organic fertiliser and biogas. The project also recycles plastic waste into equipment used for hydroponic farming, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed to support sustainable agricultural practices.

By integrating these solutions into one enterprise, Batho Pele BioLoop Africa aims to reduce waste, promote resource efficiency and create opportunities for young people to participate in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. Its model highlights how innovative thinking and business principles can be applied to address community challenges while creating environmental and economic value.

The enterprise was crowned the 2026 Enactus South Africa National Champion at the National Exposition held in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 22–23 July 2026. The achievement secured Nelson Mandela University the opportunity to represent South Africa at the Enactus World Cup 2026, taking place from 16–19 November 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil.

At the global competition, the team will showcase its enterprise alongside student entrepreneurs from around the world, sharing its approach to sustainable innovation and demonstrating the potential of South African youth-led solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.

As they prepare to take their project to the international stage, Batho Pele BioLoop Africa embodies the spirit of Enactus: using entrepreneurial action to create solutions that make a meaningful difference in communities.

Enactus South Africa congratulates the Nelson Mandela University team on this outstanding achievement and wishes them every success as they represent the country at the Enactus World Cup 2026.

We All Win.