SAB Foundation opens applications for 2026 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards

The SAB Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, inviting South African innovators who are actively developing practical solutions to social and disability-related challenges. 

The awards offer funding ranging from R300 000 to R1.3 million, alongside tailored mentorship, technical support and business development assistance to help strengthen and scale early-stage ventures.  

The programme is aimed at entrepreneurs and social enterprises whose products, services or business models respond to real barriers faced by women, youth, people living in rural areas and persons with disabilities. Applicants must demonstrate that their innovation has progressed beyond the idea stage and is already being developed, tested or implemented.  

“Our focus is on solutions that are already being built and tested,” says Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Programmes at the SAB Foundation. “South Africa’s economic reality calls for practical innovations that can translate into sustainable businesses and meaningful economic participation. When an innovation gains traction, its impact can extend far beyond the original problem it set out to address.” 

The Social Innovation Awards recognise innovators with prototypes or early-stage businesses tackling social challenges across sectors such as health, housing, rural livelihoods, energy, water and financial inclusion. The Disability Empowerment Awards focus specifically on solutions that expand economic access and participation for persons with disabilities, including assistive technologies, inclusive employment models and income-generating initiatives. 

Recent winners illustrate the range of locally developed innovation. In 2025, Sum1 Investments was recognised for its asset-financing model enabling stokvels to invest directly in township and rural small businesses. In the disability category, White Cane was awarded for producing white canes locally through the employment of blind and partially sighted individuals, while the Dassie X all-terrain power wheelchair was acknowledged for addressing mobility challenges in rural environments. 

Since 2015, the programme has invested over R88 million in funding and business development support, backing more than 200 innovators. These ventures collectively employ more than 4 000 people and support over 16 000 livelihoods. 

Applications close on 16 March 2026 at midday, and winners will be announced later this year. South African citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to apply via the SAB Foundation website. 

For full eligibility criteria and application details, visit: https://www.sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-awards 

To read about previous award recipients, visit: https://www.sabfoundation.co.za/stories