Johannesburg - Sasol today launches the Sasol Energy Innovate Competition, a focused initiative that invites small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop practical, scalable solutions to pressing industry challenges.

Powered by Sasol Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), the competition aims to source high-impact innovations that support operational efficiency, cost optimisation and enhanced customer value across the energy value chain.

The competition is open to qualifying South African SMEs, including those participating in and connected to Sasol’s broader ESD ecosystem. This includes businesses that are at least 51% Black owned, registered in South Africa, tax compliant, and able to demonstrate the potential to scale and deliver within complex industrial value chains. Participants are encouraged to submit solution-driven proposals aligned to key industry opportunity areas such as fuel management, product quality assurance, decarbonisation and value-added services.

Entries open on 9 June 2026 and run as part of a focused innovation challenge, with submissions evaluated on strategic alignment, innovation, technical feasibility, commercial viability and the SME’s capability to deliver. Entries close on 17 June 2026.

Winners stand to receive grant funding of up to R500 000, providing both financial support and a pathway towards potential implementation opportunities within Sasol’s operations and customer markets.

Rightwell Laxa, Senior Vice President: Supply Chain says:

“At Sasol, we recognise SMEs as critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. This competition is about creating a meaningful platform for these businesses to bring forward practical, scalable solutions that address real industry challenges while unlocking new opportunities for participation and growth. By investing in SME innovation, we are not only strengthening our own value chain but also enabling a more inclusive, future-ready industrial ecosystem for South Africa.”

Pertunia Sibanyoni, Vice President: Mobility Solutions and Marketing, adds:

“The future of our industry will be shaped by bold, innovative thinking and many of those ideas will come from SMEs. Through this innovation competition, we are tapping into that creativity to help solve critical challenges, drive operational efficiency, and accelerate our journey towards a more sustainable and competitive energy business. Importantly, this is bigger than Sasol, it is about unlocking local innovation, driving job creation, and building a more resilient and future-fit South African economy.”

Through this initiative, Sasol continues to strengthen its commitment to supplier development and inclusive growth by enabling SMEs to participate meaningfully in evolving industrial ecosystems and future energy opportunities.

SMEs are encouraged to submit their entries and review full competition details by visiting https://innovate.sasol.com/.