Johannesburg, Thursday, 17 September 2026 - KPMG Private Enterprise has announced EcoRich as the Africa winner of the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator (GTI) 2026 competition, earning the opportunity to represent the continent at the global finals in November 2026.
The competition attracted more than 100 applications from innovative technology businesses across Africa. Following a rigorous evaluation process, ten finalists were shortlisted from across the continent.
EcoRich emerged as the overall winner after impressing an independent panel of judges with its innovation, growth potential, entrepreneurial spirit, customer focus, and approach to risk management.
EcoRich Solutions uses an innovative technology called the "Wastebot Decomposer Machine" to transform organic waste into affordable, high-quality, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer within 24 hours. This solution empowers small-scale farmers by providing cost-effective and sustainable access to organic fertilizer, helping to boost crop yields, improve livelihoods, and safeguard the environment.
Now in its sixth year, the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition provides emerging technology businesses with a platform to showcase their innovations, connect with investors and industry leaders, and compete against some of the world's most promising tech entrepreneurs.
Sandeep Main, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Africa Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG One Africa, said:
Joyce Rugano, Founder and CEO of EcoRich Solutions, said:
"Winning the Africa regional competition is an incredible milestone for EcoRich. The quality of innovation shown by fellow finalists demonstrates the strength of Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. We look forward to representing the continent in the KPMG Global finals and sharing our vision with a global audience of industry leaders and innovators."
The competition highlighted the diversity and depth of innovation emerging from across Africa, with entrepreneurs presenting solutions addressing challenges and opportunities across multiple sectors.
The competition also recognised the achievements of the regional runners-up:
- The Marking App (Southern Africa)
- Minie Money (West Africa)
As Africa's representative, EcoRich will now progress to the global finals of the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition, where innovators from around the world will compete for the global title and showcase their businesses to an international audience of investors, business leaders, and industry experts.
"What an incredible showcase of talent. Congratulations to all our competitors for their groundbreaking work. We cannot wait to see what they do next. We now rally behind EcoRich Solutions as they represent Africa in the competition for the 2026 KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator crown," added Main.
ENDS.
About KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator
The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition celebrates the brightest technology innovators from around the world. The programme provides entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their businesses, share their growth stories and connect with industry leaders, investors and fellow innovators. The competition culminates in a global final where national and regional winners compete for the title of KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator.
For media queries, please contact:
Dudu Ndlovu,
One Africa Head of Corporate Affairs
KPMG South Africa
E: dudu.ndlovu@kpmg.co.za
About KPMG One Africa
KPMG One Africa refers to the KPMG firms in the Southern, East, and West Africa regions. These are comprised of 13 countries from the 3 regional clusters, i.e. Southern Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; East Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda; West Africa: Ghana, and Nigeria, who in 2025 have established a formal One Africa Cluster called KPMG One Africa.
The KPMG firms in these countries are member firms of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee.
